Geneva/Seoul – Unitaid is pleased to announce a 2024 contribution of $US22 million from the Republic of Korea. This funding reaffirms South Korea’s commitment to advancing global health, particularly through support for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response initiatives. With this increase, South Korea becomes Unitaid’s second-largest donor for 2024.
Building on South Korea’s longstanding support, US$17 million of these funds will strengthen Unitaid’s work in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, through the development of new treatments and diagnostic tools, addressing access gaps and strengthening global supply chains for lifesaving health products. The funding will also focus on expanding local research, development, and manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries, enhancing their preparedness to address future public health emergencies. The remaining US$5 million will support Unitaid’s programmatic priorities in other disease areas.
“South Korea’s commitment to global health through Unitaid is empowering low- and middle-income countries to build stronger, more resilient health systems that can effectively respond to future threats,” said Unitaid Executive Director Dr. Philippe Duneton. “By sharing expertise and innovation from South Korean companies, this partnership is advancing self-sufficiency in public health and ensuring that lifesaving technologies reach those who need them most.”
Since 2008, South Korea has contributed US$117 million to Unitaid, supporting a range of health initiatives in HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and, more recently, pandemic preparedness. This relationship also includes collaboration with South Korean industries, research institutions, and civil society organizations to drive forward health innovation and create new opportunities to serve low- and middle-income countries.
