G7 leaders will sign a declaration at the summit on reforming the World Health Organisation (WHO) to avoid new pandemics by shortening the time frame for vaccine development and creating more effective treatments.
“The first 100 days after an epidemic threat is identified are crucial to change the course and, ideally, prevent the spread of a pandemic”, – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.
In addition to the G7 participants (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA), the leaders of the countries invited to the summit as guests – Australia, India, Republic of Korea and South Africa – will also participate in discussions on a comprehensive plan to combat pandemics.
“Countries that can produce vaccines today, or would be in a position to do so with adequate support, should come together in an emergency task force with the support of global organizations, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, international financial institutions, and a deal with the pharmaceutical industry, so that this global vaccine plan can be defined and implemented”, – stressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres.