COVAX hails G7 commitment to share 870m vaccine doses
Aid groups appeal for cash
GENEVA, June 14, (Agencies): The coronavirus vaccination program for poorer countries, known as COVAX, hailed a commitment by the G7 countries to share at least 870 million doses. In a landmark agreement at G7 summit, held in Cornwall, UK, leaders have pledged to share COVID-19 vaccine doses internationally, in support of global equitable access and to help end the acute phase of the pandemic, COVAX said in a statement Sunday evening.
The statement added that G7 countries committed to share at least 870 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines directly, with the aim to deliver at least half by the end of 2021, and reaffirmed their support for COVAX as “the primary route for providing vaccines to the poorest countries.”
COVAX welcomed this commitment, along with continued support for exporting in significant proportions, promotion of voluntary licensing and not-for-profit global production, and looks forward to seeing doses flowing to countries as soon as possible. COVAX will work with the G7 and other countries that have stepped up to share doses as rapidly and equitably as possible.
It also urges multilateral development banks to urgently release funding to help countries prepare their health systems for large-scale rollout of vaccines in the coming months.
The statement quoted the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus’ appreciation for this donation, calling for more urgently needed support, and stressing that “many other countries are now facing a surge in cases, and they are facing it without vaccines.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta Fore said, “equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines represents the clearest pathway out of this pandemic for all of us, including children.
Stressed
She also stressed that “without urgent action, this devastation will continue,” expressing UNICEF thanks to G7 member states for their significant pledges and continued support.
Moreover, CEO of the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), Dr. Seth Berkley said, “This is an important moment of global solidarity and a critical milestone in the push to ensure those most at risk everywhere are protected.”
Rich nations must do more than just donate surplus vaccines if they hope to end the COVID-19 pandemic, according to public health experts and humanitarian groups that are calling for money, increased production and logistical support to help developing countries where the virus is still raging.
The appeal came after U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hoped leaders of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations will agree to provide at least 1 billion vaccine doses for poorer countries. The G-7 leaders, who are holding their annual meeting this weekend in Cornwall, southwest England, continue to debate other forms of aid to get lifesaving vaccine shots into arms.
While almost half of the combined population of the G-7 nations has received at least one dose of vaccine the worldwide figure is less than 13%. In Africa, it’s just 2.2%.
Wealthy nations must act quickly not just out of altruism, but to protect their own citizens, because the virus will continue to mutate as long as it is allowed to spread unchecked, resulting in potentially more dangerous variants, said Lily Caprani, head of COVID-19 vaccines advocacy for UNICEF.