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Novo Nordisk Foundation supports 11 humanitarian projects

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded DKK 10.8 million for humanitarian projects in places around the world. The projects include support for increasing the safety and security of women in the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh and for enhancing the capabilities of young Syrian refugees and other displaced young people in Jordan. Photo: CARE

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded grants for 11 humanitarian projects that seek to improve the health and the future prospects for people living in areas affected by crises or natural disasters. The Foundation has awarded a total of DKK 10.8 million to Danish and international aid organizations. Each project has received close to DKK 1 million.

The grants have been allocated for projects in Jordan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Uganda, Niger and Colombia.

“Millions of people around the world live in situations affected by disasters and need help. This makes a major impression, and the Foundation therefore places high value on being able to provide support to these people through highly competent organizations that have dedicated employees in the field, where help needs to be provided. We are very much looking forward to following the projects and the differences they will make in the near future,” says Hanna Line Jakobsen, Head of Social & Humanitarian, Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Noncommunicable diseases and increasing the safety and security of women
One grant recipient is the Danish Red Cross, which has received funding for two stand-alone projects, each of which aims to help people with noncommunicable diseases in deprived areas. Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and type 2 diabetes, are commonly neglected initiatives in areas affected by conflict and disasters.

In a third project, CARE Danmark will increase the safety and security of women and girls living with the threat of gender-based violence in and around the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. The camp is home to nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees. Together with local partners, CARE Danmark will establish two safe spaces in which women can get help and advice on safety and security and participate in empowerment activities. Further, the project will mobilize men and boys to participate in preventing and reducing the risk of gender-based violence.

Other grant recipients include Oxfam IBIS, KVINFO and Danmission, all of which are receiving support for projects in Jordan. All three projects will provide young Syrian refugees and other displaced young people with capabilities that can improve their prospects during the ongoing crisis in the region.

Read about the projects below.

New application round soon
The grants of nearly DKK 11 million are one part of the Foundation’s annual grants for humanitarian initiatives and emergency aid awarded based on calls for applications in open competition. The Foundation will open a new application round in the first quarter of 2020.

The grants for disaster relief are an important part of the Foundation’s overall support in the humanitarian field. The Foundation plans to gradually increase its annual payouts in humanitarian and development aid, with these rising to DKK 200 million annually in 2023.

The 11 supported projects

Danmission
Empowered teachers create resilient youth and peaceful host communities in Jordan
DKK 871,651

KVINFO
Enhancing capabilities of youth, women and CSOs in critical thinking and collective action for enhanced social justice and gender equality in Jordan
DKK 999,998

Oxfam IBIS
Empowering conflict-affected Syrian and Jordanian youth in central Jordan
DKK 965,155

CARE Danmark
Safety and security of women and girls from gender-based violence in camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
DKK 1 million

Danish Red Cross (two grants)
Mainstreaming noncommunicable diseases in emergency preparedness and response operations in Kenya
DKK 1 million

Integrating mental health and psychological support into NCD prevention and care in fragile settings (Iraq and Lebanon)
DKK 1 million

Mission East
Distribution of hygiene and winterization kits to 900 families (approximately 5400 individuals) in Iraq in urgent need of humanitarian support
DKK 1 million

Coastal Hazard Wheel Platform
Global coastal disaster prevention and recovery project
DKK 1 million

International Aid Services Denmark
Improved WASH and educational opportunities for refugees in southern Maradi region, Niger
DKK 999,467

UNICEF Denmark
Learning circles – education and child protection targeting Venezuelan crisis-affected children and adolescents in Barranquilla, Colombia
DKK 999,894

Danish Refugee Council
Acute humanitarian response of high influx of Congolese refugees displaced by armed conflict, Uganda
DKK 1 million

Further information

Christian Mostrup Scheel, Senior Press Officer, phone: +45 3067 4805, [email protected]