Rome [Italy], October 24: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) will co-lead the implementation of 21 new projects as part of the second round of funding from The Pandemic Fund. Aimed at enhancing global and local health security, these projects totalling $109 million, will benefit 32 countries across the world.
Four fast-tracked projects for mpox affected countries were announced in September, with 17 additional projects announced in October.
Over 50 percent of the funds awarded under this second round are for countries in sub-Saharan Africa - the region with the highest demand for Pandemic Fund grants.
The new projects will expand FAO's Pandemic Fund portfolio to 33 initiatives across its five regions-Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Near East and North Africa-supporting 45 countries with a combined value of nearly $170 million.
Launched in November 2022 during a G20 meeting, the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank Group, is the first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to helping low-and middle-income countries become better prepared for future pandemics. It receives applications from countries, supported by accredited Implementing Entities such as FAO, and the Fund's Governing Board agrees on finance allocations.
Source: Emirates News Agency