The European Commission has announced its intention to step up funding to accelerate roll-out and uptake of vaccines and other COVID-19 tools in Africa, with a further €400 million in support. The Commission also foresees a €427 million euros ($450 million) contribution to the Global Pandemic Preparedness Fund to support efforts to prevent and better respond to future pandemics.

Announcing EU’s stepped up support at the Second COVID-19 Summit, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The supply of vaccines must go hand in hand with a speedy delivery, especially in Africa. The priority today is to make sure that every dose available is administered. And because we know that the best answer to any potential future health crisis is prevention, we are also stepping up support to strengthen health systems and preparedness capacities.”

In response to the changed supply-demand situation of COVID-19 vaccines, the EU is adapting its efforts by supporting the most efficient use of the available doses. Ensuring equitable access to non-vaccine tools remains essential, as does enhancing the resilience of health systems to prepare for the next pandemic. The support pledged, as part of Team Europe’s global response, intends to further these objectives.

• €300 million support to vaccination in Africa through the COVAX Facility and other partners.
• €100 million support to accessing other COVID-19 tools: diagnostics, therapeutics and strengthening health systems.
• €427 ($450) million for the Global Pandemic Preparedness Fund that is to be established, subject to agreement on its governance.

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Press release