The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has revealed plans to raise at least US$7.4 billion to assist Gavi, a vaccine alliance save up to 8 million lives while he hosts a world health Summit on 4th June.
The Prime Minister also aims at bringing together leaders from various countries of the world at the summit to pledge their support to Gavi, so as to protect further 300 million children against infectious diseases like measles, typhoid and polio, as well as tackling preventable deaths and stopping the spread of Coronavirus.
A source has revealed that the UK is collaborating with its international partners on the global effort to find a vaccine as soon as possible and ensure it’s available across the world, including Nigeria.
The report reads; ”We are working closely with industry and the Bioindustry Association to accelerate vaccine development and manufacturing in the UK so that when a vaccine is available, it can be made quickly at scale.
”We are now calling on other governments to step up, follow our lead, and make commitments to fund fully Gavi’s vital mission for the next five years.
”The UK is proud to be Gavi’s leading donor, and on 29 April the International Development Secretary pledged the equivalent of £330 million a year over the next five years from the aid budget to protect 75 million children from preventable diseases. Gavi is a crucial partner in the fight against infectious diseases globally, including coronavirus.
”With the support of UK Aid, Gavi has immunized over 760 million children in the world’s poorest countries, saving more than 13 million lives. Between 2000 and 2023 Gavi has committed over 3 billion US dollars alone to Nigeria to combat diseases like Measles, Meningitis and Yellow Fever.
”This work is essential if we are to avoid further disease outbreaks and epidemics that would result in needless child deaths and place additional strain on health systems already weakened by the coronavirus. Gavi is critical to fighting coronavirus too.
In the face of the pandemic, and with UK support, Gavi is already helping poorer countries strengthen vulnerable health systems to help deal with the rising number of coronavirus cases, addressing countries’ immediate COVID-19 needs, including essential supplies such as PPE and infection prevention and control,” it noted.
Vladimir Chimaobi reporting, Obinwannem News
