Covax secures $2.4bn for vax in poor nations

Washington The Covax programme has received $2.4 billion aid for providing equitable vaccinations in low-income countries. The funds were pledged by wealthier countries, foundations and private companies after a virtual summit hosted by the Japanese government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on Wednesday, the New York Times reported. Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Spain and Sweden also announced plans to share a total of 54 million doses from their domestic supplies with countries in need. Japan has pledged $800 million. It has also committed to share 30 million doses of locally produced vaccines. The US has already committed $4 billion in the last two years in support for Covax. Other Countries include Australia, France, Kuwait, Mauritius, Mexico, Switzerland and Vietnam. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard and the Visa Foundation were among institutions committing funds, and the European Investment Bank announced additional financing to support cost-sharing with African Union countries, the report said.