The G7 pledged financial assistance to the COVAX program for a “rapid and equitable” distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

The rich G7 countries pledged on Wednesday to financially support the The Covax vaccine distribution system, intended for countries that do not have access to anticovid drugs, “To enable rapid and fair distribution.”

In their final communiqué, the G7 foreign ministers (United States, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan) assured that they “recognize sufficient funding is needed ”for this international alliance, led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addressing the procurement of coronavirus vaccines, ministers underscored their commitment to an “open, transparent and multilateral” system and underlined the importance of the COVAX mechanism.

“We reaffirm our commitment to achieve an inclusive and sustainable recovery” after the pandemic, said the summit participants, who expressed the need to take measures to protect “vulnerable countries and populations” in a special way.

But There was no immediate announcement of new funding to improve access to vaccines. Instead, the ministers “urged all partners to step up their support as the critical next step in controlling the pandemic and boosting health security.”

G7 countries have also insisted that the World Health Organization (WHO) should continue to play a “central role” in global health security measures. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO forums, despite opposition from China.

More than 1.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide, but less than 1% have been administered in less developed countries.

With the support of most rich countries, the Covax program aims to share vaccines with the poorest countries. But rich countries also bypassed Covax in the early stages, make their own deals with drug makers, while pharmaceutical giants strive to make pharmaceutical patents accessible to all to deal with waves of viruses.

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said much more was needed and urged the G7 to provide most of the $ 60 billion he says is needed over the next two years to get everyone vaccinated and help with economic recovery.

With information from AFP and EFE

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