COVAX seeks $2b for COVID-19 vaccines expansion

 THE COVAX scheme launched a push for an extra $2 billion in donations, saying it needed the money in advance to reserve COVID-19 vaccine doses.

  The COVAX facility ensures the 92 poorest participating economies can access coronavirus jabs, with the cost covered by donors.

  The United States co-hosted Thursday’s donor event at which the first $400 million was raised. But Sweden led the way, putting in $258 million, with Netherlands donating $47 million.

  According to US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Anerica is committed to making vaccines available for everyone around the globe.

  “People everywhere should have access to rigorously tested, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines. As long as COVID-19 is spreading and replicating anywhere, it poses a threat to people everywhere,” he said.

  His promise is coming ahead of a COVAX funding summit to be hosted in June by Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga.

  According to Japan’s Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, the summit will be focused on the 92 countries.

  “The supply of vaccines and funding are still insufficient, and there is an urgent need to further strengthen the COVAX facility to ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and quality-assured vaccines to people in developing countries,” he said.

  It will be recalled that nearly 840 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in at least 205 territories around the world, with COVAX delivering more than 38 million doses so far to 113 participating territories.