Over £60,000 raised in seven weeks to combat Coronavirus in Ethiopia
Embassy appeal sees significant resources raised by Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia in the United Kingdom, but support is still needed to defend Ethiopia against the Coronavirus pandemic
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- On 7th April, the Embassy launched an urgent appeal to combat the spread of the Coronavirus in Ethiopia, calling on the Ethiopian community and Friends of Ethiopia in the UK to give urgently.
- The Ethiopian Government’s COVID-19 National Resource Mobilisation Initiative has been galvanising domestic and external resources to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people of Ethiopia against the existential threat of the Coronavirus.
- The Embassy thanks the Ethiopian community in the UK and Friends of Ethiopia for their continued support and generosity.
- With the rate of infection rising in Ethiopia, the Embassy calls on the Diaspora and all companies, institutions and charities affiliated with Ethiopia to stand in solidarity at this critical moment by redoubling their fundraising efforts.
In just seven weeks, the Embassy’s urgent appeal to confront the spread of the Coronavirus in Ethiopia has seen donations amounting to over £60,000 (2.4 million Ethiopian birr). Specifically, the Appeal has thus far raised £56,271.52 from the Ethiopian diaspora and a further £5,000.00 from friends of Ethiopia.
Every pound donated to the Appeal is being directed to the COVID-19 National Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, which has been mandated to coordinate national fundraising efforts.
The resources being mobilised by the national Committee have contributed to the scaling up of capacity in the Health sector and to widening the safety-net for vulnerable members of society put at risk by the Pandemic. Initiatives thus far have seen the procurement of personal protective equipment for medical professionals; an increase in intensive care capacity nationwide through the establishment of dedicated COVID treatment centres; improvements to national testing and tracing capabilities; and the setting up of a network of food banks, among other efforts.
Thanks to the inspirational generosity of the Ethiopian community and friends of Ethiopia in the United Kingdom, these donations will support Ethiopians through the crisis in the critical weeks and months ahead.
In particular, the Embassy wishes to recognise the following diaspora associations and groups, as well as charitable organisations, for their incredible support thus far:
- Emmanuel Ethiopian Evangelical Christian Fellowship in Britain
- The Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church in UK
- Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET)
- Save Saint Mary of Debretsion London
- Trinity Family Mahber
- Fighting Blindness in Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Sports and Culture Federation UK
For example, the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), an international organisation which has been working with Jimma and Gondar medical schools in Ethiopia since the early 1990s has contributed £5,000.00 towards the Appeal. This donation stands as a reflection of their almost three-decade commitment to Ethiopia and represents an important gesture of solidarity during this uncertain time.
Commenting on the Appeal, Mr Ababi Demissie (Amb.), Charge d’Affaires said he was pleased with the level of support for the Appeal so far, but that more was needed.
“Coronavirus is having a devastating impact globally and here in the United Kingdom. The last seven weeks have really shown the true spirit of community and solidarity as Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia have generously contributed more than £60,000 to support Ethiopia in her time of need. I want to personally thank everyone who has donated so far. Your generosity will ensure that Ethiopia gets through this unprecedented time. But with the rising number of confirmed cases, more is needed. That is why we are calling on everyone, even at this unsettling time, to do their part and make a contribution. All donations, no matter how small will make a difference.”
Accordingly, the Embassy is now making a fresh call for donations from the Diaspora, friends of Ethiopia, and organisations affiliated with Ethiopia.
Though much has already been achieved, the future is still uncertain, and only by keeping up the momentum and standing together, shall we prevail!
Respond to the call and give now!
For ways to contribute, visit the appeal page on our website here.
–ENDS–
For further details contact our Diaspora Affairs team on 07367 109 262 | 07939 956 086 | 07460 783 929
For press or media enquiries: press@ethioembassy.org.uk | 020 7838 3883
For daily updates, follow the Embassy across social media @EthioEmbassyUK
Background
On Friday, 13th February 2020, Ethiopia confirmed its first case of COVID-19. At the time of publishing (27th May 2020) there have now been:
- 731 confirmed cases
- 181 recoveries
- 6 deaths
Daily updates are being provided by the Ministry of Health via social media as well as the Ethiopian COVID-19 monitoring platform at www.covid19.et.
Donate Today
The Embassy has officially opened a bank account to mobilise all monetary donations from the Ethiopian diaspora and friends of Ethiopia in the UK.
All donations should be made out to:
Account Name: Embassy of Ethiopia
Bank: Lloyds Bank
Account No: 43178968
Sort Code: 30-65-41
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