[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced that South Korea will expand its contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) to ensure timely supply of COVID-19 vaccines to health-vulnerable countries.
At the COVAX AMC summit held via video conference on the 2nd, Prime Minister Kim said, "Equitable access to vaccines is paramount to overcoming COVID-19," adding, "In addition to last year's efforts toward COVAX AMC, South Korea will announce a groundbreaking increase in its contribution."
The summit was hosted by Japan and the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with attendees including Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
Prime Minister Kim stated, "South Korea is contract manufacturing various vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Novavax, and Sputnik V, and is closely cooperating with major countries and companies," adding, "Based on our bio capabilities, we will fulfill our role as a new global vaccine hub and contribute to the international community's efforts to overcome COVID-19."
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is an international organization leading COVAX, an international project for joint purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Among them, COVAX AMC plays a role in supporting vaccines to low- and middle-income countries by pooling funds based on official development assistance (ODA) resources and contributions from donor countries and institutions.
South Korea has actively participated in multilateral cooperation by providing approximately $600 million worth of quarantine supplies and emergency disaster loans to over 120 countries, as well as sharing quarantine experience with health-vulnerable countries.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
