• Posted 04-May-2020

Coronavirus global response: The EU joins forces with global partners to kick-start a pledging effort

The European Union is joining forces with global partners to kick-start a pledging effort – the Coronavirus Global Response – starting on 4 May 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) and global health organisations have launched a joint call for action to develop fast and equitable access to safe, quality, effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against coronavirus.

To raise funds in support of this endeavour, the European Union and its partners will organise a worldwide pledging marathon. Countries and organisations around the world are invited to pledge to help reach the target of €7.5 billion in initial funding.

Researchers and innovators around the world are working very hard to find solutions to save lives and protect our health. Starting on the 4 th of May, the Commission will register pledges from countries and business foundations. The Commission is also inviting governments, business leaders, public figures philanthropists, artists and citizens to raise awareness about this global pledging effort. The funds collected will be channelled into three strands: diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.

The countdown to the start of marathon begins today, the first day of the 2020 World Immunisation Week organised by the United Nations. The theme this year is #VaccinesWork for All and the campaign will focus on how vaccines, as well as the people who develop, deliver and receive them, work to protect the health of everyone, everywhere.

Find out more about the effort and how to get involved on the Coronavirus Global Response website: europa.eu/Global-Response

Source: European Committee of the Regions News (https://bit.ly/2zaak3z)