The second Global COVID-19 Summit has been scheduled for May 12 and will be held virtually next month for countries to discuss efforts to end the ongoing pandemic and prepare for future health threats.
A joint statement released by the United States, Group of Seven, and Group of 20 nations announced the second summit, saying that it will redouble collective efforts to end the “acute phase” of the pandemic and prepare for future health threats.
The announcement comes amid the latest surge of Covid cases in parts of the U.S., as well as around the world. The latest spike has been caused by easily transmissible variants, including Omicron and Omicron’s cousin variant BA.2.
In the U.S. efforts to subsidize more global vaccinations have stalled in Congress. Lawmakers stripped a huge $5 billion amount from a pandemic relief package, which could be up for a Senate vote in the next few weeks.
Earlier in April, U.S. lawmakers announced an agreement on the $10 billion Covid aid package, which is centered on domestic testing, vaccination, and treatment. They turned away from a push to reinforce the country’s global commitments.
Ahead of the upcoming second summit, the U.S. is calling on world leaders, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the private sector to make renewed commitments and bring solutions to end the pandemic, including global vaccinations.
Next month’s summit will build on efforts and commitments made by the international community at the first global summit, including getting people vaccinated, sending tests and treatment kits to high-risk populations, expanding protections for healthcare workers, and getting financing for pandemic preparedness.
The first global summit took place on September 22, 2021, and was convened by the United States. The second summit was originally expected to be held in March.
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