UK helps raise $1b for distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to developing countries including Bangladesh

The UK has helped raise $1 billion for the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) by match-funding other donors, which will help distribute one billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries, including Bangladesh, this year.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) made the announcement yesterday, which coincides with a three-day virtual visit to London by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as part of the UK's commemoration of the UN's 75th anniversary.

In September, the UK had announced at the UN General Assembly that it would match every $4 pledged to the COVAX AMC by other donors with £1 in UK funding, up to £250 million. Since then, other countries including Canada, Japan and Germany have committed funding to the scheme, reaching the landmark target. In total, the UK has now contributed £548 million to the AMC.

In a statement yesterday, FCDO said this vital investment will help stop the spread of the disease and prevent future waves, helping the world recover better from the pandemic.

"The UK is using our aid budget, scientific expertise and diplomatic leverage to strengthen global health," UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.

He said over the last 75 years, the UK has played a leading role in supporting the UN and is working together to strengthen international collaboration to tackle today's biggest global challenges -- from coronavirus to climate change.

Dominic Raab said: "It is fitting that, on the 75th anniversary of the UN, the UK has led with our allies to make one billion doses of coronavirus vaccine available to vulnerable countries.

"We'll only be safe from this virus, when we're all safe -- which is why we're focused on a global solution to a global problem."

UN Secretary General Guterres said at a time of global turmoil, he is honoured to virtually visit the UK to mark the occasion, renew the cause of overcoming global challenges together and celebrate a country that was instrumental in creating the UN, and which remains a crucial member state, not least in the run-up to 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.