Coinciding with World Health Day, Snap Inc. released new augmented reality lenses in partnership with the United Nations Foundations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The campaign leverages the creative power of augmented reality to create new, engaging ways for people to support COVID-19 response efforts. The new lenses are available instantly in select markets across the globe including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The new lenses allow Snapchatters to scan real-life objects to unlock a special AR experience. When a person views an AED10/SAR10 note, for instance, and taps on it in the Snapchat camera, an AR experience will trigger to show how a potential donation could support the WHOs instant response efforts. Snapchatters will be able to access these lenses in several ways, which includes in the lens carousel, via Snapcode, or by using the cameras Scan function.

These lenses then direct users to the international donation page for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The donations being made--all of which are made on the official WHO portal--will go into a fund to support tracking and understanding the spread of COVID-19; making sure patients get the care they need, and frontline workers get required supplies and information; and speeding up efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.

Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc., Middle East, stated: The new lenses build on our efforts to support Snapchatters and our partners as we navigate this unprecedented challenge together. This campaign also comes as we are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate the spirit of giving. We hope that everyone can play a meaningful role in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and that it is our responsibilities to support initiatives that can make that happen.

As more Snapchatters stay inside due to COVID-19 restrictions, theyve also been spending more time on their phones. Snaps sent between friends have currently reached an all-time high world-wide, surpassing the platforms typical peaks. The large increases are disproportionately driven by those sending Snaps to their top contacts (i.e. their best friends), in accordance with recent data revealed in a company blog.