G7 launches immunization initiative for underdeveloped nations. Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper reported that next week’s G7 summit would establish a new vaccination distribution program for underdeveloped nations.
According to Japanese government sources, the G7, G20 nations, including India, and international organizations like the WHO and World Bank will participate.
The WHO and GAVI-backed COVAX facility delivered over 2 billion doses of coronavirus vaccine to 146 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, affluent nations prioritized immunizations for their residents, while insufficient storage facilities in poorer nations prompted supply delays and disposal of millions of close-to-expiry doses.
The Yomiuri stated the new scheme would combine rainy-day funds for vaccine manufacture and acquisitions, low-temperature storage, and health worker training to prepare for the next global pandemic.
This year’s G7 chair, Japan, seeks developing nation support on supply chains, food security, and climate change to oppose China and Russia.
Saturday’s G7 finance ministers agreed to boost low- and middle-income nations in energy supply chains.
G7 finance and health ministers urged a new global financial structure to “deploy necessary funds quickly and efficiently in response to outbreaks without accumulating idle cash” on Saturday.
They said the G7 would work with the WHO and the World Bank, which controls a worldwide pandemic fund, to investigate the new funding system before an August G20 finance and health ministers conference in India.
The Yomiuri reported that the G7—Britain, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—may release a pandemic response declaration at the Hiroshima May 19-21 meeting.
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