The UK organised the Global Vaccine Summit 2020 on 4 June, helping secure US$7.4 billion (approximately £6 billion) in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation.
The UK today (4 June) organised the Global Vaccine Summit 2020, helping secure US$7.4 billion (approximately £6 billion) in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation. The virtual event saw representatives of more than 50 countries - business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders, including Prime Minister Modi - pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years.
Gavi’s routine immunisation efforts, including during the course of the coronavirus pandemic, help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure a collective international recovery.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes.
Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said:
I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today’s Summit, and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India’s capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role.
The UK is Gavi’s leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I’m delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 – from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open.
