US missing as Gates, world leaders pledge $8 billion for Covid-19 vaccine funding

World leaders have pledged the sum of $8 billion for the development, mass-production and deployment of the coronavirus vaccine.

The donations were made during a virtual pledging conference with EU leaders and leaders of other nations in attendance except for the United States.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen has described the move as an “extraordinary unity for the common good”.

“Governments and global health organizations joined forces against coronavirus. With such commitment, we are on track for developing, producing and deploying a vaccine for all. However, this is only the beginning. We need to sustain the effort and stand ready to contribute more. The pledging marathon will continue.” She said

In the course of the meeting, Croatia pledged to donate $1.09 million, South Africa $1.3 million (to raise a further $61 million from member states of the African Union), Serbia $2.18 million and Slovakia $3.27 million.

Luxembourg pledged $5.45 million, Portugal $10.9 million, Sweden $17 million, Ireland and Slovenia $20 and $33.6 million respectively, Finland $39.3 million, Kuwait $40 million, South Korea $50 million and Israel $60 million.

Bulgaria also pledged to respond with $109 million, Italy’s $152.7 million, Netherlands $209.5 million. Romania and Australia $218 and $226 million USD respectively, Switzerland $381 million and Norway $1 billion.

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Meanwhile, Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, pledged $100 million while other countries like the UAE, Turkey, Oman, Monaco and China promised to donate although, without mentioning amounts.

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