Famous Minions sending multi-lingual COVID-19 health messages

27 / 05 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar - -

The World Health Organization (WHO) teamed up with the United Nations Foundation and Illumination to get the globally beloved Gru and the Minions characters to send multi-lingual messages about the best practices for protection from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Public Service Announcement (PSA) – featured by Gru and the Minions – is meant to reinforce safe and healthy practices during these challenging times.

The PSA focuses on lifesaving behaviors to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, including physical distancing, being active at home and remaining kind to each other —all aimed at making sure people of all ages stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.

“At this challenging time, we must find all ways possible to provide hope to people while sharing advice that can protect our health,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

“WHO is excited to be working with Illumination and Steve Carell and the joys of the Minions and Gru to promote the importance of physical distancing, keeping active and connected, and being kind and compassionate to overcome COVID-19.”

The PSA will be localized into multiple languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese and Arabic, among others.

“Storytelling is a powerful tool to accelerate positive social change in the world. It is an honor to partner with the WHO and UN Foundation to remind people around the globe to protect themselves, each other and our communities during this pandemic,” said Illumination Founder and CEO Chris Meledandri.

Illumination is the first Hollywood Studio to partner with the World Health Organization, the UN Foundation and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to create an entertaining and educational PSA for global audiences.

“As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of COVID-19, one of our most powerful weapons is kindness,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President & CEO of the United Nations Foundation. “We are delighted that the Despicable Me characters are letting their love show and showing ways to keep themselves and their communities safe during this unprecedented time.”