Oops, how's this? Rich people are all worried about donating?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other aid bodies report global initiatives in providing Covid-19 testing, treatment and vaccines to poor countries receive only 5% of the contribution.
The initiative, Accelerator Access to COVID-19 TOOLS (ACT), aims to raise at least $ 23.4 billion from October 2021 to September 2022, of which it expects 16.8 billion of it to come in the form of grants from rich countries.
However, so far the initiative has only managed to raise $ 814 million.
Gordon Brown, WHO ambassador and former British prime minister, said the 5% value was shocking and hoped the world would rise up and help efforts to eradicate Covid-19.
Generally, the initiative is not only supported by WHO but also has the support of other organizations such as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, The Global Fund, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The ACT Accelerator encompasses the COVAX initiative, which focuses on equitable access to vaccines for all as well as being involved in providing testing and treatment to low -income countries, as well as distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
WHO senior official Bruce Aylward, who is the coordinator of the initiative, expressed his sadness at the lack of funding for the initiative.
Due to lack of funds, only 10% of people in low-income countries have received at least 1 dose of vaccine compared to 68% for richer countries.
As a result, world leaders have voiced their readiness to support the initiative by calling on investors to invest in plans to end the Covid-19 pandemic phase this year.
