Bill Gates called again for rich countries to share coronavirus vaccines because otherwise “more people will die”

Microsoft founder Bill Gates on Friday called on countries to share coronavirus vaccines with the most disadvantaged because otherwise “more people will die”, in a speech at the opening of the G20 Health coordinated virtually from Rome.

“We’ve been a pandemic for a year and we’ve made incredible scientific advances, like the speed of the vaccine, but the task right now is for everyone to benefit.”said the philanthropist.

Although many countries have made “generous donations” of vaccines, diagnostic systems and treatment, in his opinion ‘This is not enough’ to control the COVID-19 disease because, if the United States and the European Union are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, other countries are currently experiencing peaks of contagion.

“We need to ensure greater equality of access to vaccines. Over 80% of the first billion doses went to prosperous countries. If we don’t close this huge hole, more people will die. “Gates, a frequent center of criticism of pandemic deniers, warned.

Now you have to “Share dollars and doses” and it is time for the most advanced countries to be “Bold and responsible” to improve science and researchand “be better prepared for the next” health crisis.

G20 health ministers are meeting this Friday practically under Italy’s rotating presidency to analyze the experience of the coronavirus pandemic and seek policies that prevent future crises and mitigate the consequences of the current crisis.

The summit, with politicians, scientists and representatives of civil society, is coordinated from Rome by the Italian Prime Minister, Mario draghi, and by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, forum organizers.

The president of the Community Executive opened the G20 Health by announcing that the European Union plans to donate at least 100 million doses of the vaccine by the end of the year to poor countries.

(With information from EFE)

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