The U.S. on Feb. 19 pledged $4.3 billion to Covax, the international effort to ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution across the globe.
The administration of former President Donald Trump declined to participate in the 92-nation collaboration because it was backed by WHO, which the U.S. withdrew from July 6. President Joe Biden ordered the U.S. to rejoin WHO Jan. 20. During a Jan. 20 address to WHO, Anthony Fauci, MD, said the U.S. rejoining WHO meant it was joining Covax.
During the virtual G7 summit, President Biden committed an initial $2 billion to Covax and pledged an additional $2 billion through 2021 and 2022.
Other major countries pledged funds during the summit, with Germany committing $1.8 billion, the European Commission committing $363 million, Japan committing $79 million and Canada committing $59 million.
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