NEW YORK | The Group of 20 rich and emerging economies had pledged more than $21 billion to fight the coronavirus, the group said early on Saturday.
‘The G20, with invited countries, has coordinated the global efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, G20 members and invited countries have pledged over US$21 billion to support funding in global health’, the group said in a statement.
The pledge will be directed towards diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and research and development, the statement added.
In April the group called on all countries, non-governmental organizations, philanthropies and the private sector to help close a financing gap estimated at over $8 billion to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia, the current G20 chair has pledged $500 billion to support global efforts to combat the pandemic. It said then it would allocate $150 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation, $150 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations, and $200 million to other health organisations and programmes.
At least 391,108 people have died globally from COVID-19 and more than 6.68 million people have been infected by the novel coronavirus that causes it, following an outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, in early December.
Preliminary studies suggest the AstraZenca vaccine will protect against the P1 variant of the coronavirus, Mauricio Zuma, the head of production at Brazil’s Fiocruz biomedical institute said on Monday, confirming a Reuters report on Friday. The Brazil variant is worrying experts because it is highly contagious and has led several countries to ban travel from … More Brazil Study Suggests AstraZeneca Vaccine Is Effective Against Brazil COVID-19 Variant
Malaysia’s prime minister and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Monday ahead of talks on Tuesday in Riyadh to sign memorandums on understanding. Muhyiddin Yassin arrived in Jeddah on Saturday to perform Umrah, where he was received by the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Mahmoud Qattan, the Gov. of Jeddah Prince Mishael bin … More Malaysia PM Meets With Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan in the capital Riyadh on Monday, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. During the meeting they reviewed relations between the two countries, aspects of joint cooperation in various fields and promising opportunities to further develop then in a way that … More Jordan’s King Abdullah II Received in Riyadh By Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, accused Britain’s royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son’s skin may be and pushing her to the brink of suicide, in a tell – all television interview that will sent shockwaves through the monarchy. The 390year-old, whose mother is Black and father is white, said she … More Meghan Says Kate, Prince William’s Wife, Made her Cry Before Wedding To Harry
Qatar has strongly condemned and denounced the attempt to target Ras Tanura Port and Saudi Aramco’s facilities in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. In a statement issued, the Qatari Foreign Affairs Ministry said that targeting vital installations and facilities in a subversive act the violates all international norms and laws and the would threaten the security and … More Qatar Strongly Condemns Attacks On Facilities In Saudi Arabia
Syria’s President Bashar al – Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for COVID-19 after showing minor symptoms, the president’s office said in a statement on Monday. It said they were both in good health and would continue to work while in isolation at home.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Qatar’s capital Doha on Monday for an official visit, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Saudi FM held talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh bin Hamad al – Thani and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister … More Saudi FM Arrives In Qatar For Official Visit
Saudi Arabia has confirmed one of its oil storage yards at the Ras Tanura port was attacked earlier in the day, according to a statement from a source at the Kingdom’s Energy Ministry. A drone that was used to attack a petroleum tank from at Ras Tanura port was launched from the sea, according to … More Saudi Arabia Confirms Drone Attack On Aramco’s Ras Tanura Port
Saudi Arabia will list the suspension on activities such as indoor dining and will reopen gyms and cinemas from March 7, but will maintain its ban on large social gatherings, as the Kingdom’s authorities review their coronavirus precautionary measures. The Kingdom will allow the resumption of entertainment activities, reopen cinema theatres, gyms and gaming venues, … More Saudi Arabia Resumes Some Activities From Mar.7, Keeps Social Gathering Restrictions
The Kremlin on Friday said it hoped ‘crazy’ calls to sanction Russian business people would not become a reality and that it was planning ways to best protect Russia’s interests, its citizens and businesses. The Kremlin said it was closely following media reports about a possible new round of U.S. sanctions.