US pop superstar Rihanna has donated funds to support Malawi’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation said in a statement that $5 million will be channeled to countries through various organizations supporting response efforts against the coronavirus.

Executive director of the Clara Lionel Foundation, Justine Lucas said Malawi, Haiti, the United States and Caribbean countries will benefit from the funding.

He said the donation will be channeled through several organizations – including Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization and International Rescue Committee.

The Foundation said the funding will help to accelerate testing and care and training of healthcare workers.

The funding will also support provision of equipment for frontline health workers.

The healthcare workers are expected to be given breathing and protective equipment such as masks.

The Foundation also plans to “help establish and maintain intensive care units, and accelerate the development of vaccines and other therapies.

Malawi has not registered any case of coronavirus. However the government says it is closely monitoring at least 700 people who are on self-quarantine.