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HONG KONG, 14 May 2021──The Swiss-based Z Zurich Foundation announced today an initial donation of CHF 1 million (equivalent to about HKD 8.5 million) to UNICEF in support of the campaign to deliver 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally by the end of 2021.

UNICEF and partners have been working tirelessly on the largest vaccination procurement and supply program in history in an effort to vaccinate frontline health care and social workers, as well as high risk and vulnerable people around the world. The Z Zurich Foundation is supporting this global effort in addition to collaborating with Zurich Insurance Group’s (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,” he said.

Through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX Facility) together with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and CEPI, UNICEF is leveraging its unique experience as the largest single vaccine buyer in the world by 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.”

Together with WHO, PAHO, GAVI and other partners at the global and regional levels, UNICEF is also working to support countries get ready and prepare for their COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. This includes assessing capacity and helping countries to strengthen their cold storage capabilities and supply chains so that countries have adequate infrastructure to transport and store the vaccines in-country.

Mr. Eric Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), said, “The urgency of global vaccinations continues as the number of confirmed cases in third world countries, such as India, hits the world’s highest daily cases and devastates its people with an overwhelming death toll. Through Z Zurich Foundation’s contribution, we hope relief efforts and vaccines will be provided to the vulnerable around the world, to mitigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 so more lives can be saved. Over the past year, Zurich Hong Kong has rolled out a number of measures to support various segments of the community to navigate the hardships ought by the pandemic, including donations, charity work, relaxed policies, and new services and products. Our free COVID-19 Vaccine Cover introduced earlier this year was aimed to give individuals peace of mind when receiving vaccination, as well as to strengthen the fight against the outeak. Reflecting our and promise, ‘Create a ighter future together’, we are honored to participate in UNICEF’s program on the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, and will continue to explore meaningful ways to help.”

Notes to editors: Multimedia materials available here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AMZIFRJZN0Y

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Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF