COVID-19: Switzerland's international cooperation response
COVID-19 is not just a health crisis. Its economic, financial and social consequences are aggravating the precarious situation in developing countries that are already affected by poverty, crises and need. The FDFA is working to address the situation at various levels within the framework of its international cooperation (IC) activities.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Human Security Division (HSD) have responded quickly and effectively to the new global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is on health, humanitarian aid, the preservation of livelihoods, peace and security, as well as support for internationally active organisations.
Call for action: Switzerland supports education in emergencies
Switzerland joins the call for action concerning the impact of COVID-19 on education in crisis contexts, urging the international community to promote education in emergencies.
Handwashing saves lives
The SDC is running awareness campaigns and promoting the use of handwashing stations in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic.
International cooperation
Developing countries are particularly hard hit by the consequences of COVID-19. Switzerland is showing solidarity and responding quickly and effectively in order to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the pandemic – an overview.
Drop in remittances
COVID-19 is creating difficulties for migrant workers to send money home. Switzerland is therefore launching an appeal to keep remittance channels open and give the poorest communities continued access to these vital sources of income.
Fast and unbureaucratic response
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a drastic effect on people's health and social lives as well as on the economy, and it is hitting developing countries especially hard. It is in Switzerland's interests to support other countries in their fight against COVID-19.
Lessons from the fight against malaria
The fight against malaria is an important global healthcare priority for Switzerland's international cooperation. The lessons learned in fighting malaria can provide important input for tackling the COVID–19 pandemic.
Global network of volunteers
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day honours the efforts and commitment of more than 13 million volunteers working to prevent and alleviate human suffering around the world – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial assistance and expertise
The World Bank Group supports poor countries in their fight against COVID-19. In the short term, it will focus its efforts to mitigate the fallout from the pandemic. Over the longer term, it will provide poor countries with support to stabilise their economies.
Long-term partnership
Development cooperation must be able to act quickly and flexibly, as the example of Nepal shows. Swiss nationals stranded in the country were able to return home quickly on repatriation flights.
COVID-19 newsfeed
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis that knows no national borders. Developing countries are doubly affected by the pandemic. Switzerland's assistance focuses on different aspects.
COVID-19 exacerbates situation for displaced people
For displaced people, it is often impossible to follow hygiene and social distancing measures. The FDFA is actively involved in helping to reduce these risks for refugees.
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