Tencent announced this week the launch of the Global Anti-Pandemic Fund, a $ 100 million campaign designed to help curb the devastating spread of COVID-19. The news follows the launch of $ 100 million from other technology giants, Netflix and Facebook.
In the case of the Shenzhen-based company, the first funds are being made available for practical and vital donations to health care, including protective equipment and other products for hospitals and first aid workers.
Tencent notes that the effort is only the company's newest. The company had previously set up an anti-pandemic fund to support healthcare workers in its home country of China. As part of this effort, approximately $ 211 million was provided.
"COVID-19 has a dramatic impact on people around the world," said Marin LAu, President of Tencent, in a press release. “We face this challenge together and Tencent is committed to supporting international emergency response. Based on experience in China and feedback from hospitals around the world, we recognize that there is an urgent need for PPE and other medical supplies, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, when traditional supply channels cannot meet the sudden surge in demand. "
Healthcare is currently the most important donation, as locations around the world lack vital devices such as masks and ventilators
