Abuja, Nigeria, 21 July 2020 Many African countries, Nigeria included, are beginning to see a rapid rise in the number of confirmed cases. The unfolding COVID-19 situation in Nigeria, calls for solidarity with the government and coordinated support to the response plan for the country. Through the Basket Fund, the UN aims to ensure policy coherence, programmatic alignment, harmonisation, and coordination of support to the Government of Nigeria during the time of crisis. 

On July 14, 2020, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation joined hands with the United Nations in Nigeria in support of the Nigerian Government in addressing the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. The US$ 1 million support from the foundation catalytically responds to the joint efforts to curb the pandemic and its unprecedented impact. The contribution from Bill & Melinda Gates to the Basket Fund managed by UNDP will help Nigeria to address critical response issues. The collaboration with the government of Nigeria, the UN, and other partners through the UN COVID-19 basket fund aims to further strengthen Nigeria’s response in the management of the crisis, and the realities post-crisis particularly in the protection of the vulnerable.

“The UN welcomes the contribution of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the One UN COVID-19 response. As a recognised COVID-19 Response Financing and Investment Platforms, this facility provides us with a timely opportunity to stand with Nigeria and channel financial contributions towards the COVID-19 multi-sectoral response. Working as one UN enables us to minimise the risk of duplication of efforts and ensures efficient mobilisation and rapid deployment of resources.” Mohamed Yahya, UNDP Resident Representative, Nigeria

In June 2020, with a significant contribution from the EU, the One UN COVID-19 response procured vital medical supplies and disease commodity packages valued at more than US$ 22 million. The medical supplies will enhance efforts of the frontline responders, increase testing capacity and early detection; and, support the hospitalisation and management of COVID-19 cases. 

As of June 2020, the Project Board had allocated US$ 42,767,450.16 for interventions to be undertaken by Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs) covering the following areas: Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE); Strengthening State level Operational Capacity in Surveillance, Infection Prevention, and Control; Building Capacity of Healthcare Workers in Case Management and strengthening hospital capacities to respond; and, engagement with Civil Society Organisations to reverse the negative impact of COVID-19 on equal access to essential health services.

About the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response: On 6 April 2020The UN in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria launched the One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund. The Basket Fund serves as the One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.

As of June 2020, the Basket Fund, managed by UNDP has mobilised US$61.3 million, including US$54.6 million from the European Union (EU); US$2.2 million from UN agencies; $US4 million from the private sector (Dangote US$ 3.8 million and AP Maersk US$ 0.2 million); and US$0.4 million from the Government of Switzerland.

The overall management of the One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund is led and coordinated by the Project Board. The Project Board has representation from the Presidential Task Force; Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), relevant Government departments, fund contributing donors and the UN.

For more information and media enquiries contact:
Ngele Ali – Head of Communications and Partnerships, UNDP Nigeria | +234 090 7031 1732 | ngele.ali@undp.org

Oluseyi Soremekun – National Information Officer, UNIC Nigeria |0803 3030 002 | soremekun@un.org