Merkel expresses concern about the slowdown in talks to supply the poorest countries with the Covid-19 vaccine

On Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed “concern” about the slow pace of talks aimed at providing the poorest countries with a vaccine against the Covid-19 epidemic.

At the conclusion of the virtual G20 summit organized by Saudi Arabia, Merkel told reporters in Berlin: “Now we will see with the Gavi coalition to secure the vaccine when these negotiations will start because what worries me is that nothing has been done so far” .

He stressed that the European Union, the United States and other rich countries have signed agreements with pharmaceutical laboratories with the aim of ensuring that they receive vaccines.

On Sunday, G20 leaders pledged to do everything possible to ensure that new Corona virus vaccines reach everyone fairly and that the “remaining funding needs” for these vaccines are met.

But the Global Gavi Coalition, whose goal is to ensure a fair distribution of vaccines and medical equipment, still needs $ 3.8 billion.

Germany had previously pledged to pay 500 million euros to the global vaccination program (Kovacs), which is run by the Gavi coalition.

“The most important thing for me is that Kovacs begins negotiations with the vaccine manufacturers using the money that has already been raised. It is the right step to take,” Merkel added.