G20 countries launch fund for future pandemics

Ahead of the summit this week in Indonesia, major G20 economies announced on Sunday a $1.4 billion fund to prepare for future pandemics. However, the host country of the meeting, Indonesia, has deemed the sum insufficient.

The launch of the fund follows a meeting of G20 health and finance ministers on the sidelines of the summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday on the Indonesian island of Bali.

At a press conference, Indonesian President Joko Wikodo explained that this fund, in which 24 countries are participating in, both G20 members and non-members, aims to “avoid a pandemic and prepare for it. But it is not enough,” Mr Widodo added, estimating that $31 billion would be needed.

“We have to make sure that the community can withstand a pandemic. A pandemic can no longer take lives and break the joints of the global economy.”

The money raised will go to low- and middle-income countries to fund such things as virus surveillance, research and better access to vaccines.


The author: Michel DEURINCK

Michel Deurinck, born in Brussels in 1950, started his career in the Belgian civil service, dedicating over 30 years to public service. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion for journalism. Transitioning into this new field, he quickly gained recognition for his insightful reporting on politics and culture. Deurinck's balanced and thoughtful approach to journalism has made him a respected figure in Belgian media.

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