Z Zurich Foundation announces support to UNICEF’s global efforts to help deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable
– The Swiss-based Z Zurich Foundation announced an initial donation of CHF 1 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 as possible starting with those that are vulnerable and at risk. Now is the time to act and help save lives,” he said.
On the local front in Malaysia, Zurich is making its own contribution to UNICEF to support and expedite the procurement of vaccines for vulnerable groups. In addition, Zurich Malaysia is running a fundraiser from now until 30 June for the public to contribute to the cause. Z Zurich Foundation will match the amount raised, doubling the amount that gets donated to UNICEF, which is up to CHF 2.5 million across all its local campaigns until the end of June 2021.
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.
Individuals interested in supporting this effort can make their contributions via bit.ly/ZurichSupportsCovax where the donations will be matched automatically by the Z Zurich Foundation. Meanwhile corporate or organisational contributions can be made directly to UNICEF Malaysia. Corporates can request matching from the Z Zurich Foundation by sending donation acknowledgements to z.foundation@zurich.com.
Zurich Insurance Group
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, and life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories. Zurich’s customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1872. The holding company, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information about Zurich is available at www.zurich.com
Zurich Malaysia
Zurich Malaysia is a collective reference term for the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) business subsidiaries operating in Malaysia: Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad. Zurich Malaysia offers a broad range of comprehensive insurance and takaful solutions; helping individuals as well as business owners understand and protect themselves, their businesses and their assets from risk. Zurich Malaysia has an integrated branch network in major cities nationwide as well as dedicated agency and distribution channels nationwide to serve the needs of its customers. For further information on Zurich Malaysia, visit www.zurich.com.my
About Z Zurich Foundation
Z Zurich Foundation is a charitable foundation with registered office in Zurich established by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd and Zurich Life Insurance Company Ltd in accordance with Swiss law. It is the main vehicle by which the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) delivers on its global community investment strategy.
The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich employees, businesses and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.
Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation. Follow Z Zurich Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the world’s largest children’s organization, working in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, they work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org. Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About the COVAX Facility
COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world. https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax UNICEF, in collaboration with the PAHO Revolving Fund, is leading efforts to procure and supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the COVAX Facility. This initiative will lead the procurement and delivery of vaccines for 92 low and lower-middle income countries.