JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia on Thursday confirmed its donation of $150 million to Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) for its efforts combat the coronavirus pandemic. The confirmation was made by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan who represented the Kingdom at the virtual Global Vaccine Summit hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and attended by a number of heads of state and ministers and health sector officials from all over the world. In his address to the virtual summit, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia's support to the noble work of the global alliance and its efforts in protecting lives and reducing the risks of future epidemics and their health impact and social disruption. "Now, more than ever, we must remain united and abide by our responsibilities to address our shared challenges," Prince Faisal said. Saudi foreign minister stated that the Kingdom had contributed $25 million to support the efforts of GAVI and its mission back in 2016. The minister also reiterated King Salman's statements in the G20 virtual summit and said that preserving human health is "at the forefront of the concerns of the Kingdom's government" and has been made a priority. Prince Faisal also pointed out that based on its Islamic and humanitarian values, Saudi Arabia has provided over $86 billion dollars in aid during the last three decades. These funds provided support to over 81 countries for improving livelihood and healthcare. "In March of this year, Saudi Arabia called for an Extraordinary Virtual Leader's Summit of the G20, chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, to coordinate an international response to combat the spread of COVID-19, and address its humanitarian and economic effects. During this Summit, Saudi Arabia announced a contribution of $500 million dollars in support of the global efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and enhance preparedness and emergency response," Prince Faisal said. "Of this amount, I am pleased to announce the allocation of $150 million to vaccines and immunizations, which will support the great efforts of your alliance." Saudi foreign minister stressed that it is a collective international duty to contribute and support the noble cause of preserving and protecting human life to achieve stability and prosperity for future generations.
