Fitch Group has announced that it has donated USD50,000 to Give2Asia in support of the organisation's crisis response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our sympathies are with the victims and all who have lost family and friends. This donation is part of Fitch's ongoing efforts to complement other relief and recovery initiatives across the world," said Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Fitch Group.

Give2Asia is an international non-profit organisation that coordinates funding between global donors with charitable projects and social enterprises across the Asia-Pacific region. It has launched a campaign to support frontline health workers and hospitals responding to the outbreak, including partnerships with several non-governmental organisations in China.

Funds from Fitch and other donors will help towards the purchase of medical supplies, construction of hospitals, and providing frontline staff with food, lodging and subsidies.