In a bid to tackle the recent outbreak of COVID-19 the European Commission has announced a new aid package worth €232 million
The funding will go towards helping to diagnose COVID-19, provide treatment for those infected and prevent further transmission.
The Commission is also stepping up its efforts to support Member States following the recent developments in Italy.
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said: “In view of the rapidly evolving situation, we stand ready to increase our assistance. In this vein, a joint expert mission of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organisation will depart to Italy this week to support the Italian authorities.”
Statement on the EU’s response, preparedness and financial support to fight the COVID-19 outbreak by Commissioners @JanezLenarcic and @SKyriakidesEU ↓ #coronavirus https://t.co/qlgxcvYBlS
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) February 24, 2020
Where will the funding be allocated?
- €114 million will support the World Health Organization to boost public health emergency preparedness and response work in countries with weak health systems and limited resilience.
- €15 million will be allocated to Africa and €3 million to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for repatriation flights of EU citizens from Wuhan, China.
- €90 million will go towards Public-Private Partnership with the pharmaceutical industry and €10 million for research on epidemiology, diagnostics, therapeutics and clinical management in containment and prevention.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission said:
“As cases continue to rise, public health is the number one priority. Whether it be boosting preparedness in Europe, in China or elsewhere, the international community must work together. Europe is here to play a leading role.”
We are working around the clock to support EU countries and strengthen international efforts to slow the spread of #COVID19.
We announce today a new aid package worth €232 million.
More here → https://t.co/Esbpkw8XmX https://t.co/hTb4Ur8FPw— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) February 24, 2020
Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_316
