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The Government is allocating €500,000 to the World Health Organization to assist its vital work to help control the spread of the Coronavirus.

Announcing this allocation, the Tánaiste said:

The rapid spread of the Coronavirus concerns us all. Ireland sends its deepest sympathies to those who have been affected and salutes the work of the dedicated health service professionals who are assisting those communities most impacted.

While the virus is currently concentrated in China, the WHO assesses that it may spread further and is a particular concern in regions where health systems could quickly be overwhelmed.  It is vital to take early, coordinated action to prevent further spread of the virus.

Global Health challenges require a coordinated global response. That is why Ireland is supporting the leadership role of the WHO through an allocation of €500,000 to its Strategic Response and Preparedness Plan. This will be used to support countries in preparing for and responding to the Coronavirus. Ireland’s international support is complementary to our domestic preparedness efforts led by the Health Service Executive.  We all share the overriding goal of minimising the impact of this epidemic.