Biden promises vaccine aid

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden pledged to double vaccine donations to poorer countries to 1.1 billion as the US backed a campaign to inoculate 70 per cent of the world by this time next year.

Mr Biden, 78, urged fellow wealthy nations to join the US in donating more doses “with no strings attached”. It was seen as a dig at China, which has sold millions to developing nations.

He was speaking by video at a summit convened by the US on the margins of the UN general assembly after criticism of his plan to provide booster jabs to Americans while many countries remain largely unvaccinated.

Only 3.6 per cent of Africa’s eligible population has been inoculated, compared with an average of more than 60 per cent in western Europe.

The White House insisted that the US could both deliver boosters, likely to be agreed soon for those aged 65 and older, and help the world.

Mr Biden set out plans to donate more vaccines, distribute vital supplies such as oxygen and protective equipment, and establish a fund to prepare for future pandemics by setting up a “global threats council”. He also set out an EU-US vaccine partnership.