Ending the acute phase of the global COVID-19 pandemic requires robust global cooperation. The spread of new Variants and sub-variants is a reminder that none of us are safe until all of us are safe.
Speaking at the Second Global COVID-19 Summit in May, President Joe Biden lauded the successes that stemmed from the first Global Summit last September. “We were focused on critical and urgent challenges. And I’m incredibly proud of the work that we’ve done together over the last several months and the commitments that we made to vaccinate the world.”
“For our part, the United States has provided more than $19 billion to help countries fight COVID-19 all around the world. We’ve provided lifesaving medicines, oxygen, tests, equipment, supplies, and partnered with countries to improve their capacity to manufacture vaccines as well.”
The United States also delivered over half a billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 115 different countries and economies with the goal of keeping families and communities safe. .
But “There’s still so much left to do. This pandemic isn’t over,” said President Biden.
“Today, we’re at a new stage in fighting this pandemic, facing an evolving set of challenges. We have to double down on our efforts to get … shots in people’s arms, country by country, community by community; ensure we have reliable and predictable supplies of vaccines and boosters for everyone, everywhere; expand access globally to tests and treatments; and we have to prevent complacency.”
Around the world, millions have died. “Millions of children have been orphaned. And with thousands still dying every day, now is the time for us to act — all of us — together,” said President Biden. “We must honor those we have lost by doing everything we can to prevent as many deaths as possible.”
The United States calls on world leaders, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the private sector to make new commitments and bring solutions to vaccinate the world, save lives now, and build better health security — for everyone, everywhere.
Ending the acute phase of the global COVID-19 pandemic requires robust global cooperation. The spread of new Variants and sub-variants is a reminder that none of us are safe until all of us are safe.