G-7 plans 1 billion extra Covid-19 shots by 2022

Group of Seven (G-7) leaders are set to vow to deliver 1 billion extra doses of vaccines by 2022 to cover 80 percent of world’s adult population.

Highlights

• Ahead of G-7 summit in UK, officials put together document outlining a plan to end pandemic by December 2022.
• Document is yet to be finalised but it will form the basis of final-stage talks at summit in Cornwall.
• At the summit, presidents and prime ministers will pledge to deliver at least 1 billion extra doses of vaccines over the next year.

Agenda of meeting

G-7 countries also plan to make a commitment to hasten shift from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and to “green transitions” in developing countries. Other topics of discussion include-

• Demand of Russia to hold accountable the cyber criminals who carry out ransomware attacks from its territory and
• Pledge to confront forced labour in supply chains, particularly involved in garment and solar industries.
• China is not mentioned in the communique by name, but Beijing government has come under intense international criticism over its treatment of Uyghurs.
• They will further delve into coronavirus policy and bring about a common standard for travel including recognition of person’s vaccination status.

US Government Plan

US government has planned to buy about 200 million doses in 2021 to distribute through COVAX facility with the aim of securing an equitable global distribution of vaccine. It will also buy about 300 million doses in 2022. Vaccines will be given to 92 lower-income countries and African Union.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2021