The money, to be channelled through the African Union, will fund the training of health professionals in member states to handle pandemics.

The money is the highest amount so far deposited into the continental kitty, Africa Covid-19 Fund, which was established by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently the Chairperson of the African Union.

In Kenya, the Africa CDC has supported the Covid-19 response through donation of 1,400 laboratory test kits following the first confirmed cases in March.

The African Union, and their public health agency Africa CDC, are at the forefront of the continental response, providing strong African-led leadership and technical advice from which we all stand to benefit," British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott said.

This big boost together with UKAid funding of Ksh99 billion ($990 million) will help vulnerable countries in fighting the virus as well as strengthen health systems.