As a global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk is using its expertise, resources and global reach to contribute to research efforts and support with much needed medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amongst many global initiatives, it is dedicating one of its laboratories in Måløv outside Copenhagen to support the critical issue task of testing for the virus. Employees from Novo Nordisk research department have volunteered to contribute to the fight against coronavirus, so they, together with staff from the Danish health service, will be able to increase the testing capacity in Denmark.
Examples of some of the group’s initiatives:
- In China, to help people in areas severely impacted by COVID-19, the group has donated more than DKK 3 million (USD 475,000 approx.) to the Red Cross Society of China to support the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
- In Tunisia, employees and the local office jointly donated DKK 56,800 (USD 8,500 approx.) to the National Fund to Fight Against Corona-virus created by the Tunisian Ministry of Finance. Additionally, they have been providing daily meals for the staff and volunteers at the Emergency Medical Aid Care staff in Tunis.
- In Brazil, the production site in Montes Claros is purchasing 50.000 kits for COVID-19 testing for the Municipal Health Department.
- In the UK, the Research Centre in Oxford is lending out laboratory equipment to the NHS to support COVID-19 testing.
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk states: "Medically-qualified colleagues have selflessly volunteered to work in healthcare systems. Our scientists are working in research & development laboratories adapted to boost Denmark’s COVID-19 testing capacity. We’re donating essential equipment including masks and gloves and this week provided 20 tonnes of alcohol to replenish stocks of hand sanitiser in hospitals.
"I was also proud to see our majority shareholder the Novo Nordisk Foundation make more than $7 million USD available to fight COVID-19 in Denmark."
30 million people worldwide use the group's diabetic care products which are available in 170 countries.
