Virgin Atlantic is supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO) Foundation’s Go Give One campaign through onboard donations this December.
The campaign funds Covid-19 vaccines for middle and lower-income countries to help close the global vaccine equity gap.
Created by the WHO Foundation, the money raised goes to an international financing mechanism called Gavi COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC), which buys Covid-19 vaccines, prioritising those who need them the most in countries that cannot afford them.
The campaign is asking individuals to donate £4, which is the cost of a single vaccine, with the aim to get 50 million people across the world to take part.
The Virgin Atlantic Foundation has committed an additional £50,000 to the cause.
Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “It’s evident that Covid-19 is something we must learn to live with.
“We know that en masse vaccine programmes work, thanks to the success we’ve seen in developed nations around the world, but unless we support lower-income countries in accessing these vaccines, we will not beat this global threat.
“By supporting the World Health Organisation in raising funds for the Go Give One campaign through our onboard donations this month, our teams and customers can play a part in helping to close the gap.”
Travel services specialist Collinson and the Pacific Asia Travel Association also signed the Go Give One campaign.
David Evans, joint chief executive at Collinson, said: “The travel and tourism industry knows only too well how important it is for everyone, everywhere, to have access to vaccines if we are to end the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’ve seen first-hand how our industry has had to adapt to ensure the safety of people and organisations in this new reality and are calling on the sector now to join us as part of the Travel Coalition.
“There’s a true power in numbers to getting this done, and we’re urging our customers to give what they can, as well as asking other travel companies to join forces with us. It’s time to stamp out vaccine inequality, so support however you can, especially during this time of year – the season for giving back.”
Anil Soni, chief executive of the WHO Foundation, aded: “Vaccine inequity is morally unjust and economically and epidemiologically self-defeating. We need everyone to help protect the world.
“We are thrilled to see this leadership from industry heavyweights to get vaccines to people who need them most. The Global Travel Sector Vaccine Coalition is a great example of how companies can join forces to make a global difference.
“We invite other members of the travel industry to join us to power vaccines around the world. Together, we can all play our part to ensure vaccines for everyone, everywhere.”
Picture of Virgin Atlantic crew. Copyright Adam Gerrard