One billion COVID-19 vaccines is just the beginning, says the head of the IMF

The director of the International Monetary Fund says that it is a moral imperative for the richest countries in the world to support programs to end the COVID-19 pandemic, but giving surplus vaccines is only the first step. Kristalina Georgieva’s comments at a virtual press conference at Sunday’s G7 summit came after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hoped G-7 leaders would agree to provide at least a billion doses of vaccine for poorer countries.

Humanitarian groups have welcomed the donations, but are seeking money, increased production and logistical support to help developing countries where the virus is still raging. Georgieva said donations are a good step, but that more needs to be done to overcome the obstacles needed to shoot weapons.

“This is a moral imperative, but it is necessary that the economic recovery is held, because we cannot achieve that the world is divided into two tracks without negative consequences,” Georgijeva said. -7 countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine, the world number is less than 13%. In Africa it is only 2.2%. “The war hasn’t been won yet,” she said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the host of the summit, said that the group would advocate for at least a billion doses, with half of that number coming from the United States and 100 million from Britain over the next year.

Tedros reiterated his goal of vaccinating 30% of each country’s population by the end of 2021. He said that 100 million doses in June and July and 250 million more by September are needed to achieve the goal.

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