In a bid to corporately fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, world leaders have called for a need to make vaccines a global public good, ensure fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, and increase the vaccine production capacity of developing countries.
This, they insisted will promote a global community of health for all, put people and their lives first, and make concerted and coordinated efforts to address the challenges nessesited by the Covid-19 pandemic.
At an inaugural meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine, Chaired by His Excellency Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, stated that vaccination is of vital importance to every human being as it is essential to defeating the virus.
With the theme “strengthening international cooperation on vaccines, promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world” Wang Yi, noted that the vaccine should be evenly distributed around the world as a matter of international justice.
According to the Chinese State Councilor, China has been providing vaccines to countries in need since September 2020.
He noted that his country has donated vaccines to over 100 countries and is exporting vaccines to over 60 countries, with a total of over 770 million doses, ranking first in the world.
While explaining to the forum some of the roles China has played and will continue to play in the fight against the pandemic, Wang Yi, said that China acted quickly to work with other developing countries on vaccine production.
“The UAE, Egypt, Indonesia and Brazil have become the first country in their respective region to have COVID vaccine production capacity. Together, we have created another success story of developing countries seeking strength through solidarity. China has also provided vaccines to COVAX, UN peacekeepers and the International Olympic Committee.
“At present, four Chinese vaccines have been approved for use in over 100 countries and international authorities have recognized their safety and effectiveness.
“Most recently, China launched an Initiative for Belt and Road Partnership on COVID-19 Vaccines Cooperation. We welcome the participation of more countries,” the country stated.
He called on world leaders to tap into the opportunity to ensure COVID-19 vaccines become available to all.
At the end of the meeting, an eight point communiqué was issued aimed at ensuring that the restriction of vaccines to some countries is stopped.
The International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation was launched by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.
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