Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, called upon countries and companies around the world to create a $10 billion global health fund for the next health crises, and pandemics to come.
Announcing a $ 250 million contribution from the United States to jump-start the effort, Harris put the initiative forward during a virtual Covid-19 summit, which takes place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Source: Yahoo Movies Canada via Reuters (FILE PHOTO)
Calling COVID-19 a “tipping point”, Harris said, “The last 19 months have revealed our systemic failure and reminded us of our collective determination … our world is more interconnected … interdependent, and the only way forward, the smartest way forward is together.”
“It should be a wake-up call for all of us. Nations need greater capacity. Preparation is a necessity and requires strategic financing. We have learned the cost of not preparing. Time to act. A new financial intermediation fund in the world Bank for pandemic preparedness. Today I am proud to announce that the United States is prepared to contribute $ 250 million to launch this fund. We also request the United States Congress to contribute an additional $ 850 million,” she added, calling on all member nations to reach the $10 billion goals.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United States also promised to buy 500 million more doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to donate to other countries amidst increasing pressure to share its supply with the rest of the world.
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