EU launches global pledge to fund vaccines to fight pandemic

The European Union has announced plans to kick-start a global response to Covid-19, with the effort due to begin on May 4.

The EU is being backed by global partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and others, who have launched a joint call to action for the development of safe and effective diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against coronavirus.

In order to fund this endeavour, the EU and its partners have launched a worldwide pledging marathon. Countries and organisations across the world are being invited to raise a target of €7.5 billion in initial funding.

Developments for a vaccine to coronavirus have already begun in earnest in Europe, with trial patients in the UK having already been administered a test vaccine against the virus. Researchers and innovators across the world are working hard to find ways to protect against the virus.

The development of these vaccines could allow production companies across the world to continue a steady workflow during the global lockdown. If the pledge succeeds, a mass inoculation could help prevent Covid-19 from continuing to spread at an alarming rate, potentially bringing an end to social distancing measures.

The end of social distancing could mean work rates can return to normal, allowing countries to reinvest in their economies and businesses.

From May 4, the European Commission (EC) will register pledges from countries and businesses before announcing its next milestone – kicking off a rolling replenishment of the supplies.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission said: “We need to bring the world, its leaders and people together against coronavirus. In just 10 days, we will launch a global pledging effort because beating coronavirus requires a global response and sustained actions on many fronts. We need to develop a vaccine, to produce it, and deploy it to every corner of the world at an affordable price.”

The EC are also inviting anyone, including business leaders, philanthropists and public figures, artists and governments, as well as regular citizens, to raise awareness about the global pledge. The funds will be channelled into the three strands of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

The countdown to the start of the marathon has also begun, with last Friday marking the beginning of the 2020 World Immunisation Week organised by the United Nations.

Vaccines are the theme cemented in the centre of this campaign, with insight into the people who develop, deliver and receive them.

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