A group of world leaders and organizations who pledged to raise a funding for coronavirus vaccine have reached their target, after the sum of $8 billion dollars have been gathered.
The contribution, which is aimed at researching, manufacturing and distributing a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19, was achieved without the United States’ contributions.
Organisers of the fund raising include the European Union and non-EU countries the United Kingdom, Norway and Saudi Arabia.
Leaders from the Japan, Canada, South Africa and dozens of other countries joined the virtual event on Monday, while China, was represented by its ambassador to the European Union.
Governments aim to continue raising funds for several weeks or months, building on efforts by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wealthy individuals.
The chairman of the online event and Head of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said, “In the space of just few hours we have collectively pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8.1bn) for vaccine, diagnostics and treatment” against COVID-19. ”
“This will help kick-start unprecedented global cooperation,” she added.
Donors included pop singer Madonna, who pledged one million euros ($1.08m), von der Leyen said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has recovered from a life-threatening battle with COVID-19, said, “The search for a vaccine is the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetime. It is an impregnable shield around all our people.”
EU diplomats however said the US, which has the world’s most confirmed COVID-19 cases, was not taking part.
A senior US administration official declined to give reasons to why the US was not participating.
“We support this pledging effort by the EU. It is one of many pledging efforts that are going on and the United States is at the forefront,” the official told reporters by telephone.
President Donald Trump last month said he would halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), whose director-general addressed the conference, over its handling of the pandemic.
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she regretted that decision, as well as Washington’s absence on Monday.
“It is a pity the US is not a part of it. When you are in a crisis, you manage it and you do it jointly with others,” Solberg said while pledging $1bn to support the distribution of any vaccine developed against COVID-19, and for vaccines against other diseases.
“We’ve had several discussions with our American partners and I’m convinced the Americans will eventually commit to this dynamic because it’s the way forward for the world,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
