The UK’s humanitarian response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the most geographically widespread and arguably most complex crisis in modern times. While its impact has been global, its effects have been uneven. Some countries and regions have fared better so far in containing the pandemic, while others have faced – and continue to face – acute public health emergencies.

The UK has played a substantial part in the global response as a major humanitarian donor. By January 2021, the UK had committed £1.3 billion to fight COVID-19 globally. Of this, 90% was channelled through multilateral institutions and global appeals.

This review assesses the UK’s emergency support for populations in humanitarian need as a result of the pandemic and contribute towards lesson learning as the impacts of the pandemic continue.