Saudi Arabia joins coronavirus global response event

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that it would co-lead the Coronavirus Global Response Pledging event to raise 8 million U.S. dollars.

The Saudi G20 Arabia Presidency welcomed in a statement the global call to fund a universally available and affordable COVID-19 vaccination, treatment and diagnostics.

The event will be held on Monday with the participation of the European Union, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, and Norway.

The Global Preparedness and Monitoring Board stated the amount is urgently required to develop and deliver a COVID-19 vaccine, along with diagnostics and therapeutic resources. The global pandemic requires a global response and international collaboration, the statement said.

The Saudi G20 Presidency called on global partners to support this funding campaign. The kingdom has pledged 500 million U.S. dollars to support global fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, Saudi Health Ministry announced on Sunday the registering of 1,552 new coronavirus, raising the cases to 27,011. It also reported 8 deaths to increase to fatalities to 184.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)