Greta Thunberg puts her money where her mouth is to get vaccines to poor countries!
Geneva, Switzerland - Climate activist Greta Thunberg wants to donate $120,000 through her foundation so that more coronavirus vaccines can be bought for poorer countries.
The money will go to the solidarity-based vaccination initiative Covax through the World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation, the 18-year-old announced at an online press conference Monday as a guest of WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Thunberg called the unequal vaccine distribution worldwide "a tragedy" and compared the situation to the importance of first helping those most impacted by the climate crisis.
"It is completely unethical that high-income countries are now vaccinating young and healthy people if that happens at the expense of people in risk groups and on the front lines in low- and middle-income countries," Thunberg said.
According to WHO figures, one in four residents in many richer countries have already received their first vaccine dose, compared with just one in 500 in low-income countries.
The WHO Twitter account also drew attention to the cooperation with Greta Thunberg and praised the young Swede's commitment.
At the same time, a second joint project called "World Youth Mobilization" was announced.
The WHO wants to help young people out of the coronavirus crisis by setting up a fund together with large youth organizations such as the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the Young People's Christian Association (YMCA) for initiatives headed by young people all over the world.
Hundreds of millions of young people directly affected by Corona pandemic
Initially, $2 million will be available for the World Youth Mobilization program. Grants of between $500 and $5,000 will be awarded, with the most successful ideas to be funded and supported with more money.
According to the WHO, globally Covid-19 has affected hundreds of millions of young people. After evaluating numerous surveys from around the world, it is reported that 90% of young people have experienced increased mental anguish.
More than one billion students have been affected by school closures. One in six young people have lost their jobs.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Bildbyran