UK mobilises $1bn funds to help vulnerable countries with Covid-19 vaccines

GBNEWS24 DESK//

The UK has mobilised $1 billion from global donors to support vulnerable countries access Covid-19 vaccines to stop the virus’ spread amid competition among countries to get the vaccine first, reports UNB.

Bangladesh is expecting vaccines from India by the end of this month or the beginning of February.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite a shipment of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine to Brazil, demonstrating a growing demand for vaccines everywhere.

The UK has helped to raise $1 billion for the coronavirus COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) through match-funding other donors, which combined with the £548 million of UK aid pledged to help distribute one billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.

This vital investment will help stop the spread of the disease and prevent future waves, helping to build back better from coronavirus globally, said the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on Sunday.

The announcement coincides with a three-day virtual visit to London by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as part of the UK’s commemoration of the UN’s 75th anniversary.

Over the last 75 years, the UK has played a leading role in supporting the UN and we are working together to strengthen international collaboration to tackle today’s biggest global challenges, from coronavirus to climate change, the Foreign Office said.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it is fitting that on the 75th anniversary of the UN, the UK has led with its allies to make one billion doses of coronavirus vaccine available to vulnerable countries.

“We’ll only be safe from this virus, when we’re all safe – which is why we’re focused on a global solution to a global problem,” Raab said.