The World Health Organization (WHO) says on Thursday that International donors have raised $700 million to purchase future coronavirus vaccines for poor countries in a global initiative. Also, to ensure vaccines do not go only to rich countries.

The COVAX Advanced Market Commitment has an initial target of $2 billion to buy the vaccines.

Africa regional director for the WHO, Matshidiso Moeti, told an online press briefing, "Up to today, what has been mobilized so far is $700 million ... So there is a great deal of work to be done to diversify the possible sources of funding."

 At least eight African countries, including South Africa, Gabon, Namibia, and Equatorial Guinea had agreed to self-finance access to the vaccine, Moeti said.

COVAX is co-led by the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, the WHO, and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.

Source: Reuters