Organizations, funds, and individuals around the world are working together to fight the novel coronavirus that has taken the lives of thousands in different countries. The World Bank is just among the groups that recently announced assistance for CoVID-19-hit regions.
World Bank Unveils $12 Billion Aid
On Tuesday, the World Bank announced a $12-billion aid package that should provide "fast, effective action" against the fast-spreading coronavirus.
According to the South China Morning Post, World Bank president David Malpass said at a media briefing that some of the funds will be directed to poor countries that lack proper medical equipment or improved health services.
Of the total fund amount, $8 billion will be sent to countries that will lodge medical assistance requests, but it is unclear which nations will receive aid first.
News of the aid package came after the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned of a massive downturn on the global economy as brought about by the CoVID-19 strain.
Donald Trump Donates Q4 2019 Salary
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump has donated his fourth-quarter 2019 salary to the country's Department of Health and Human Services.
The $100,000 in donation is expected to support measures being taken by the government to "confront, contain, and combat Coronavirus," CNBC reported.
Leadership experts noted that Trump's latest move of donating for the battle against the CoVID-19 virus echoes his 2016 campaign promise wherein he vowed to give back his presidential salary to the government.
Trump's previous donations went to the Office of the Surgeon General, in hopes of alleviating the country's opioid epidemic, as well as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Singaporean Fund-Raising Site Sees Spike in Donations
Singaporean fund-raising site Giving.sg saw a dramatic spike in donations for the month of February amid the city-state's battle against the coronavirus.
According to the Straits Times, last month's donations reached $2.2 million, marking an apparent wave of support among people looking to play a role in the containment of the novel virus.
Aside from bigger donations, the website also saw an increase in volunteers signing up as more people strive to take part in Singapore's coronavirus fight. The website supports over 500 organizations in various segments.
Cigna Foundation Commits Up to $300,000 in CoVID-19 Crisis
Community health group Cigna Foundation announced on Tuesday that it will commit up to $300,000 in efforts to assist CoVID-19 directly-impacted regions around the world.
As part of its commitment, Cigna Foundation donated $250,000 to Give2Asia, the group's philanthropic partner that works directly with nonprofit organizations providing relief and distribution of medical supplies to front-line health care providers.
Cigna Foundation focuses on strengthening community health practices to improve the well-being of families and individuals.
South Korean Celebrities Unite Against CoVID-19
South Korea has become the center of the biggest coronavirus outbreak outside China and as the country battles the novel virus, celebrities and K-Pop stars have made donations in support of the cause.
According to local entertainment site Soompi, among the South Korean celebrities who recently donated money amid the coronavirus crisis are Kim Bum Soo, Kim Jin Woo, 2PM's Junho, Lee Jung Jae, Dahyun, Loco, VICTON's Byungchan, Yoo Ji Tae, EXO's Suho, Monsta X, Jun Hyun Moo, and Jung Joon Ha.
Popular K-drama actor Lee Min Ho was reported to have donated 300 million won or approximately $252,200 to eight different groups, including the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association and the ChildFund Korea.
Big Tech Leads the Way in Altruism
Before this month's donations were reported, big tech firms from across the world already spearheaded the donation drive to help battle the CoVID-19 strain.
In China, the novel coronavirus' origin country, Meituan Dianping, Tencent Holdings and Chinese crown jewel Alibaba Group Holding said they would give over 3 billion yuan in collective donations for the country's CoVID-19 efforts.
Big tech companies in the west also started donating last month to help hasten efforts in supporting countries directly affected by the health emergency.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation committed up to $100 million in efforts focused on containing the disease. The funds will also be directed to groups working on isolation and treatments surrounding the coronavirus.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also announced that the iPhone maker will donate to organizations "on the ground." Other western clothing giants such as LVMH and Kering have also joined the donation drive.
