Boris Johnson Calls for Global Unity in Race to Beat Coronavirus
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is taking charge of a crucial international push to crush coronavirus. Today, he will co-host the virtual Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Conference, urging countries to unite for a “truly global effort” against the pandemic.
£388 Million UK Aid Pledged to Fight COVID-19
Johnson is set to confirm a hefty £388 million UK aid pledge for research into vaccines, tests, and treatments. This forms part of the UK’s larger £744 million aid commitment to ending the pandemic and supporting the global economy.
Of this, £250 million goes to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)—the largest contribution by any nation—focused on developing a coronavirus vaccine.
“To win this battle, we must work together to build an impregnable shield around all our people, and that can only be achieved by developing and mass producing a vaccine,” Johnson told the conference. “The race to discover the vaccine to defeat this virus is not a competition between countries, but the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes.”
UK Leads the Way Before June’s Global Vaccine Summit
The pledging conference today kickstarts a month-long international fundraising drive ahead of the UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit on 4 June. This summit will rally global support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which vaccinates millions in the world’s poorest countries.
Last week, International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan pledged £330 million a year over five years to Gavi, helping to immunise 75 million children worldwide.
“It is only by working together that we will prevent future waves of infection and end this pandemic as quickly as possible,” said Trevelyan. “By strengthening developing countries’ health systems and finding a vaccine, the UK is helping save lives everywhere and protect our NHS.”
UK’s Vaccine Efforts Charging Ahead
Back home, vaccine development is racing ahead. Just last Thursday, Oxford University and AstraZeneca announced a partnership to manufacture and distribute a promising vaccine undergoing trials.
Tackling coronavirus globally is key to preventing a second UK wave that could overwhelm the NHS. Johnson’s call for unity sends a clear message: this is humanity’s fight against a relentless virus — and together, victory is within reach.
