Emergency Health Fund reaches target of R$ 40 million with 41 beneficiaries.

With the goal of strengthening the public health system, the Emergency Health Fund – Coronavirus Brazil was the first of its kind to be launched, back in March. Six months later, it has already surpassed its proposed target of raising R$ 40 million to help combat COVID-19. The initiative, led by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment, BSocial and Movimento Bem Maior, is now nearing its end, with donations being accepted until October 10th.

The initiative, which began by benefiting philanthropic hospitals in São Paulo, gained momentum and expanded to 14 other states and a total of 36 cities, distributing resources to 39 hospitals, a research center, and a civil society organization. These figures refer to a final report completed in August, when 25% of the beneficiaries had submitted their accountability reports. “We acted quickly and achieved an unprecedented unity around public health. The resources were allocated according to the needs of each organization, and all of them underwent a validation process, which made all the difference in ensuring the best use of the donations received,” explains Paula Fabiani, CEO of IDIS.

The way the pandemic spread highlighted the importance of extending resources to states in more vulnerable situations, such as Pernambuco, Amazonas, Acre, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Minas Gerais, among others. In Manaus, where mortality was high, almost R$ 1 million was allocated to two hospitals in the city. Twelve charitable hospitals from various parts of the country also received resources to combat the new coronavirus. “The success of the Emergency Fund was due to well-structured planning, solid governance, and a diverse and experienced technical management committee. We knew how to act quickly and activate our networks, attracting the expertise of strategic partners and creating a collaborative work environment. This allowed us to be transparent and gain the credibility that led major investors and civil society to donate with us,” says Carola Matarazzo, executive director of the Bem Maior Movement.

The Fund gathered a total of 10,000 donors, including companies of different sizes and areas of activity, as well as families engaged in philanthropic actions and civil society in general. To date, 25% of the beneficiaries have already submitted their accounts, and the donations have resulted in 1 million pieces of PPE and more than 10,000 products, including medicines, gowns, gloves, masks, and Covid-19 test kits. The donations have also become a legacy, with the proven acquisition to date of 630 pieces of hospital equipment, such as beds, ventilators, respirators, monitors, and others.

“Participating in the creation and development of the Fund was very rewarding, because we were able to innovate in such a challenging time and create an initiative that made a difference in the lives of many people. All the achievements we have had are thanks to the team and the collaborative work we promoted, with everyone dedicating themselves and giving their best. Our platform can act as a bridge between the donor and philanthropic hospitals. Our actions continue with the certainty that, in some way, we have truly contributed,” emphasizes Flora Botelho, co-founder of BSocial.

Check out the video produced by the Fund's founders to learn about this story and the numbers achieved so far.

Image Credit: Press Release/MBM