Britain to pledge +$ 400 million to WHO

SANAA, Sept. 26 (YPA) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Saturday his commitment to a 30 percent increase in funding for the World Health Organization (WHO), at a time when he will push for reforms in the organization and call for the resumption of cooperation across borders to end the “ugly differences”.

According to Reuters, in a recorded speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Johnson will announce 340 million pounds ($ 433.23 million) in funding for the World Health Organization spread over four years – an increase of 30 percent over the previous commitment for a period of four years – with about a third of these related, Funds to reform the organization.

In the speech, Johnson will also say that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased barriers to trade.

He also proposes a five-point plan to improve the international response to future epidemics.

According to advance excerpts released by his office, Johnson said, “If we do not unite and turn our fires against our common enemy, we know that everyone will lose. So now is the time … for humanity to reach out across borders and mend these ugly differences. ”

His plan includes setting up a global network of research centers, increasing capacity to manufacture vaccines, and concluding an agreement to reduce export tariffs that were imposed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johnson will pledge an initial £ 71 million to the global vaccine partnership known as Kovacs to secure the purchase rights of 27 million doses and 500 One million pounds for a separate initiative by Kovacs to help poor countries get a vaccine.