The global initiative to share Coronavirus vaccines equally between rich and poor countries is seeking $5.2 billion in funding in order to be able to continue to purchase vaccines in the coming months.
Approximately 1 billion doses of the United Nations-backed COVAX program have been delivered since the shipments began nearly a year ago, according to an Associated Press report.
COVAX’s initial goal was to deliver 2 billion doses by the end of 2021, but its lack of cash when vaccine deals were made delayed its delivery, and the majority of vaccine doses have gone to wealthy nations that are locked into contracts.
At present, less than 10% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose, while more than 60% of the world’s total population has been immunized, some with three or four doses.