Canada is allocating $ 485 million to help developing countries manage COVID-19, including therapies to limit deaths and relieve stressed health systems.
International Development Minister Karina Gould and Minister for Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand announced the funding at a press conference in Ottawa today.
“The faster we can get tests, treatments and vaccines out to people, the sooner this pandemic can be contained. Canada’s support for global efforts to find successful medical solutions is a win-win,” Gould said in a prepared statement.
The funding announced today will use $ 230 million to procure treatments, allowing UNICEF to purchase three million courses of COVID-19 antibody therapeutics upon completion of clinical trials and regulatory approvals.
The other $ 255 million will go towards access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a coalition of international organizations and countries that oversees the development, production, and fair distribution of affordable COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
WATCH / International Development Minister Karina Gould on COVID-19 aid:
Minister Karina Gould says Canada is responding to urgent needs identified by ACT Accelerator. 0:45
Today’s announcement brings Canada’s total contribution to ACT Accelerator to $ 865 million.
Canada’s contribution could also help train frontline health workers to administer COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, plan and run mass vaccination campaigns, and source supplies necessary for the adoption of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. Treatments like syringes or personnel are essential protective equipment.