MASERU - As efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 intensify throughout the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have announced an agreement to work together on the Corona virus response through the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

According to a press statement from WHO, the money collected through the Fund will be used to train and equip communities and health-care workers to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19.

The statement indicates that the money will help countries expand their health-care capacity and mitigate social impact, especially on women, children and vulnerable groups.

“It will also accelerate research and development of treatments and preventive vaccines,” it says.
It adds that as a key partner in this association, UNICEF will lead emergency efforts to ensure that families and communities in the most vulnerable countries are fully engaged in the response and have access to water, sanitation and hygiene together with other infection prevention and control measures.

It says the funds raised will be spent in line with the global response plan and where needs are greatest.