Swiss Solidarity’s Emergency fund
The first few hours and days after disaster strikes are crucial to getting aid to the people affected without delay, as is currently the case with the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. This is precisely where our Emergency fund comes in, making it possible to deploy aid as quickly as possible and without red tape, often before a fundraising campaign can be launched. In the case of major events or disasters, we can save precious time and act immediately to provide effective support to those affected by the humanitarian crisis.
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Ebola outbreak in Central Africa
According to the WHO, the Ebola outbreak, which is mainly affecting eastern DRC, is spreading rapidly in areas already weakened by conflict, population displacement and limited access to healthcare. As there is no vaccine against this strain of the virus, it is essential to act quickly to prevent it from spreading.
Several of our Swiss NGO partners are already involved in the fight against Ebola, notably Doctors Without Borders, Medair, the Swiss Red Cross and Save the Children. Funding from our emergency fund supports projects aimed at containing the spread of the virus and treating those who are ill.
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The emergency relief fund was set up in 2017 to provide immediate assistance.
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To date, more than 50 projects have been made possible by funding from the emergency relief fund.
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francs in donations were used for important humanitarian projects.
“Emergency relief is a core component of what we do on a daily basis. To ensure that people affected by natural disasters, conflicts and other crises receive support quickly, it is of paramount importance that we have funds readily available so that we can take immediate action.”
Ernst Lüber
Director of Programmes & Evaluation
Given the unpredictability of disasters, the ability to react quickly is a decisive asset.
You too can help ensure that we can mobilise resources immediately in the event of an emergency without having to wait to launch an appeal for donations. This saves us precious time when every minute counts.
Swiss Solidarity’s Emergency fund
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Earthquake in Afghanistan: Swiss Solidarity activates its Emergency Fund
02.09.2025A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving thousands of people homeless and destroying entire villages. Swiss Solidarity has activated its Emergency Fund to support those affected.
When have we used the Emergency fund?
Thanks to its readily available resources, we can fund projects even before a fundraising campaign is launched. Here are a few examples of situations where the Emergency fund has been put to use.
2022 : sécheresse en Afrique de l’Est
2021 : intensification du conflit dans la bande de Gaza
2020 : ouragans Eta et Iota en Amérique centrale
2022 : sécheresse en Afrique de l’Est
La sécheresse exceptionnelle a poussé la Somalie au bord de la famine et causé des pertes de bétail considérables. Confrontées aux pénuries de nourriture et d’eau, de nombreuses personnes ont dû quitter leur foyer, tandis que les prix alimentaires ne cessaient de grimper en conséquence de la guerre en Ukraine.
Avant même que nous ne lancions une journée nationale de solidarité en novembre, nos organisations partenaires suisses, dont Caritas Suisse, EPER et Save the Children, assuraient déjà une aide d’urgence financée par des dons et par le fonds d’urgence de la Chaîne du Bonheur. L’aide comprenait un soutien financier, la distribution d’eau potable et de nourriture ainsi que l’accès à des soins médicaux.
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2021 : intensification du conflit dans la bande de Gaza
Des bombes ont ravagé les habitations, hôpitaux et autres institutions civiles : la population civile était gravement affectée et nous avons alors pu soutenir nos organisations partenaires présentes sur place pour déployer une aide d’urgence. Elles ont par exemple pu agir en distribuant des biens de première nécessité, en soutenant des établissements médicaux et en garantissant un accès à l’eau potable.
2020 : ouragans Eta et Iota en Amérique centrale
Grâce au fonds d’urgence, nous avons pu financer des projets de reconstruction des maisons et des structures de santé ainsi qu‘une distribution d’aides financières et de semences aux communautés fragilisées au Honduras, Nicaragua et Guatemala. L’aide a pu être mise en place rapidement pour répondre aux besoins urgents de celles et ceux qui avaient été affecté·e·s par cette terrible catastrophe naturelle.