The weekly one-person challenge began on May 15 and can be carried out on an ergo machine or on the water in a craft officially recognised by the ICF.

All participants must follow the social distancing rules in their own country to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, and each paddler must be able to accurately measure their distance and time.

Each paddler will be required to post details of their performance on the event page, and will then be able to measure their result against other paddlers around the world. 

Participants are also encouraged to challenge their friends and colleagues to have a go. 

The challenge has been launched to help people stay active during the pandemic but also to raise funds for MSF. 

After registering on the official event page, participants are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the charity, which currently works all over the world to counter coronavirus.

 Every entrant who makes a donation will have the chance to win a prize, including paddles and other recreational equipment.

"MSF would like to say a huge thank you to the International Canoe Federation for choosing to support our COVID-19 response through the 5km paddle challenge," said James Kliffen, head of fundraising at MSF UK.

"MSF is currently racing to respond to the pandemic in over 70 countries, and funds raised by the International Canoe Federation will undoubtedly help us to achieve our vital priorities.

"These include supporting health systems and authorities, protecting vulnerable populations through vital medical services, improving infection prevention and control measures, and even opening new projects.

"On behalf of our staff and patients around the world, thank you for supporting MSF."