WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden will pledge US$4 billion (RM16 billion) in United States aid to the Covax global Covid-19 vaccination programme during his virtual meeting with other G7 leaders today, a White House official said.
An initial US$2 billion will be released “by the end of this month”, with the rest coming over the next two years, said a senior White House official, who asked not to be identified, yesterday.
Covax is a global project to procure and distribute coronavirus vaccines for at least the most vulnerable 20% in every country, allowing poorer nations to catch up with the rush by dozens of wealthy countries to vaccinate.
“The US is really excited to be making our first contribution to Covax,” the White House official said.
“We do think it is vital to take a role in beating the pandemic globally.”
The official said although the US is “prioritising” domestic needs, assistance to other countries “decreases the risk to everyone in the world, including Americans, and also decreases the risk of variants”.
The official said for now, the focus is on contributing funds for purchase of new vaccines, but “when we have a sufficient supply, it is our intention to consider donating the surplus vaccines”.
G7 leaders will be discussing international coordination on ending the deadly and disruptive pandemic when they meet virtually today. – AFP, February 19, 2021
