South Africa pledges $1.3 million for COVID-19 vaccine research

South African President Cyril Ramaphosaa European Commission-hosted pledging conference attended via videoconference aimed at raising funds towards global research into a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday pledged $1.3 million from his country towards global research into a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19.

The president made the pledge during a European Commission-hosted pledging conference attended via videoconference by leaders from at least 40 countries around the world.

"…South Africa is committing an amount of $1.3 million (or €1.2 million) at this historic pledging conference," President Ramaphosa said.

The president also pledged Biovac Institute to support the global effort to develop, manufacture and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.

The pledging conference was held at a time when the world's COVID-19 infections have surpassed 3.5 million globally and the death toll nears the quarter million mark.

Africa has recorded 44,483 cases and 1,801 fatalities, but countries are ramping up efforts against the disease.

Monday's pledging conference that raised some €7.4 billion has been hailed by the World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom, as "a was a powerful and inspiring demonstration of global solidarity."

South Africa's President Ramaphosa said the world should ensure "equitable access for new COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines."

Source(s): South African Presidency