Pristina, April 15, 2020 –  On March 26, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced a significant increase in the United States’ contribution to the global response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Under this initiative, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will contribute $1.1 million to the Republic of Kosovo (RKS) to support the country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The resilience of the people of Kosovo and the bravery and dedication of Kosovo’s health providers and other first responders have been remarkable.  Together we can defeat COVID-19.  America stands with Kosovo,” said Philip. S. Kosnett, U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo. 

Through this emergency funding assistance, USAID will provide operational support and increase Kosovo’s response capability to stop further transmission and mitigate COVID-19’s impact.

Across the globe, the United States is leading the global response and supporting countries affected by COVID-19.  We are working directly with local government, multilateral organizations, NGOs, the private sector and other organizations responding on the ground to combat the pandemic.  This includes working with frontline workers to slow the spread, care for the affected, and equip local communities with the tools needed to fight back against COVID-19. USAID’s critical, life-saving work will continue.  We are monitoring the situation in Kosovo and planning for additional assistance as needed. 

The U.S Government, primarily through USAID, has invested more than $10 million in health assistance to Kosovo over the past 20 years.

·         U.S. contributions to WHO in 2019, which exceeded $400 million, almost double the 2nd largest member state contribution.

·         U.S. support to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) of nearly $1.7 billion contributed in 2019. This support will be critical going forward, as refugee populations are uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

·         U.S. contributions to the UN Children’s Fund in 2019 totaled more than $700 million.  The life-saving activities UNICEF has been doing for years -- such as immunization campaigns and health and sanitation training and assistance -- will save lives as we fight this dangerous pathogen.

Because an infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the United States calls on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.