US VP Harris calls for creation of 10 billion global fund for future pandemics

WASHINGTON: Asserting that it is essential to be prepared for future pandemics, United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday called on countries and companies around the world to create a $10-billion global health fund for the next health crisis, announcing a $250-million contribution from the US to jumpstart the effort.
Harris made the announcement during a virtual Covid-19 summit, being held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. It is aimed at boosting vaccinations worldwide with the goal of ending the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of 2022.
Chairing a session on preventing future pandemics, she termed the Covid-19 a turning point, "in fact a tipping point". "Last 19 months have revealed our systemic flaw and reminded us of our collective resolve... our world is more inter-connected... inter-dependent, and the only way to move forward, the smartest way to move forward is together."
She added experts confirmed that there's not enough fund for adequately preparing for future biological threats. "It should be wake-up call for all of us. Nations need greater capacity. Preparedness is a necessity and it requires strategic funding. we have learnt the cost of failing to prepare. It is time to act. So US joins the call for a new financial intermediary fund at the World Bank for pandemic preparedness."
"Today I'm proud to announce that US is prepared to contribute $ 250 million to kickstart this fund. We also request the US Congress to contribute an additional $ 850 million," she said, calling on nations to reach the target of $ 10 billion.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United States promised to buy 500 million more Covid-19 vaccine doses to donate them to other countries as it faces increasing pressure to share its supply with the rest of the world.
The United States has also been criticised for planning booster shots for fully vaccinated Americans while millions of people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving vaccines. Other countries including the UK and Israel have already begun booster shot campaigns.
(With inputs from Reuters)

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