International Campaign Pledges $8 Billion to Coronavirus Vaccine, U.S. Opts Out

The European Commission led a virtual fundraising initiative Monday, raising over 8 billion dollars for the development of a coronavirus vaccine and treatments. 

The event was co-hosted by several countries with leaders in attendance from Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. China was represented by its EU ambassador and the U.S. was not represented at all. 

A representative from the Trump administration told reporters that the U.S. was on the forefront coronavirus funding, providing $2.4 billion to various health, humanitarian, and economic ventures. 

AROUND THE WEB

BBC NEWS: World leaders pledge billions for vaccine fight

POLITICO: World leaders pledge to fight coronavirus, but the U.S. skips the meeting

NEW YORK TIMES: World Leaders Join to Pledge $8 Billion for Vaccine as U.S. Goes It Alone