The United Nations in South Africa on Friday launched a R2.5 billion emergency appeal to assist vulnerable communities affected by coronavirus.
More than nine million people are set to benefit from the programme in the areas of health, water and sanitation, food security and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the appeal’s virtual launch in Pretoria, the head of the UN in South Africa and Resident Coordinator, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, said: “The United Nations is in full support of the government’s commitment to a whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach.”
Below is the full statement on the UN’s initiative:
The emergency appeal comes as South Africa eases its national lockdown measures that have been in place since March 27 in an effort to curb the rising cases of the pandemic.
Below is an infographic on life under the Level-4 lockdown:
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The UN’s appeal is expected to benefit 9.9 million of the 33.3 million people in South Africa, who need emergency assistance.
The launch connected 170 participants from several continents.
In his remarks, Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize noted some of the challenges facing his department, such as limited supplies of protective gear, swabs and test kits, among others. He also expressed gratitude that the plea’s focus is on migrants and refugees.
“The appeal compliments the government of South Africa’s strategy, which includes intensifying the public health response to slow down the rate of transmission and reducing infections,” he said.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, on her part acknowledged that South Africa needs cooperation and solidarity with like-minded global development partners like the United Nations as COVID-19 cuts “into the heart of our common humanity.”
As of 30 April, South Africa had 5 647 positive cases of COVID-19 and 103 deaths.
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