Our Call: We ask the global community and political leaders to support this landmark collaboration, and for donors to provide the necessary resources to accelerate achievement of the objectives of this global collaboration, capitalizing on the opportunity provided by the rolling pledging campaign that will start on 4 May 2020. Sir Andrew Witty and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala named WHO Special Envoys for the ACT Accelerator. WHO has prequalified diagnostics that are being used all over the world, and more are in the pipeline. And it is coordinating a global trial to assess the safety and efficacy of four therapeutics against COVID-19 4 million infected; over 160,000 dead. UN Secretary-General & African Union in attendance GENEVA – Unprecedented gathering of heads of government, institutions and industry have committed to unity to combat COVID-19. The Heads of State and other dignitaries who met in Geneva, Switzerland today pledged to accelerate development and delivery of vaccines for all populations, production of new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 and assure equitable access worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected more than 2.4 million people, killing over 160,000. It is taking a huge toll on families, societies, health systems and economies around the world, and for as long as this virus threatens any country, the entire world is at risk. A Statement from the headquarters of the World Health Organisation says the virtual event was attended by: ‘’Heads of state and global health leaders today made an unprecedented commitment to work together to accelerate the development and production of new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 and assure equitable access worldwide. Global leaders unite to ensure everyone everywhere can access new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 The historic event was co-hosted by the World Health Organization, the President of France, the President of the European Commission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The event was joined by the UN Secretary-General, the AU Commission Chairperson, the G20 President, heads of state of France, South Africa, Germany, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Italy, Rwanda, Norway, Spain, Malaysia and the UK (represented by the First Secretary of State). Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Gavi Board Chair and Sir Andrew Witty, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline also joined the event. Also in attendance were health leaders from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI-the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund, UNITAID, the Wellcome Trust, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent…
