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<p>Civil society organisations (CSOs), including charities based overseas, are key
partners for DFID. Many of DFID’s programmes support local and international CSOs
in order to deliver humanitarian and development outcomes, including providing humanitarian
support to tackle the spread and consequences of COVID-19. As DFID’s programming adapts
to respond to COVID-19, we are also considering what work needs to be adapted or paused
as our partners are affected by the pandemic, either directly or in response to the
risk.</p><p>DFID’s recent announcement of £200 million of funding to the global response,
brings the total announced funding to £744 million to support the global efforts to
combat the outbreak of the pandemic. This includes £20 million directly to CSOs to
support them on humanitarian response, the majority of which will go through the Rapid
Response Facility. It also includes £130 million for the UN agencies. CSOs based overseas
will be able to access some of this funding as downstream partners. Extra funding
opportunities will also be available through DFID’s new partnership with Unilever
to support hygiene practices in developing countries.</p><p>We are reviewing our programme
portfolio in light of the COVID-19 response which will enable us to identify existing
activities which can already support the response and others which can be adapted
or scaled up, such as our support to health systems and humanitarian crises.</p><p>DFID
is offering support to suppliers and partners where this is appropriate, and will
apply the provisions of the Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note and associated
guidance for grants, which allows for relief on services and goods provided in the
UK to DFID aid programmes as a last resort, and on a case-by-case basis for DFID contracts
and grants.</p>
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