Zurich’s charity arm ups aid for global COVID-19 vaccination drive

Effort furthers aim of distributing two billion vaccine doses worldwide

Zurich’s charity arm ups aid for global COVID-19 vaccination drive

Insurance News

By Gabriel Olano

The Z Zurich Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Zurich Insurance, will provide an initial donation of CHF1 million in support of UNICEF’s campaign to deliver two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally by the end of 2021.

The UNICEF vaccination efforts seek to reach frontline health care and social workers, as well as high risk and vulnerable people around the world. The Z Zurich Foundation will support the global effort, as well as working with Zurich’s local businesses worldwide to make additional donations via various fundraising campaigns.

“Responding to one of the biggest needs linked to the pandemic, which is equitable access to vaccines, is the right thing to do and also is at the heart of our ambition,” said Gregory Renand, head of the Z Zurich Foundation. “As part of our collaboration with UNICEF to support the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, we aim to help make available COVID-19 vaccines to as many people starting with those that are vulnerable and at risk. Now is the time to act and help save lives.”

UNICEF is cooperating with the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX Facility) together with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and CEPI to leverage its experience as the largest single vaccine buyer in the world in working with manufacturers and partners on the procurement and supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses. 

“Addressing the COVID-19 global pandemic requires all sectors to join hands and so we are happy to welcome the contribution from Z Zurich Foundation towards supporting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, UNICEF’s deputy executive director for partnerships. “Ending the pandemic is everyone’s business, because no-one is safe until everyone is safe.”

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