Finland to grant €10m to support vaccinations in developing countries

Finland on Wednesday pledged to donate EUR 10 million to global vaccine solidarity, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

Finland disclosed the decision at the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) Summit.

To ensure improved availability of COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries and equitable and fair access to vaccines, Finland will channel its support via the COVAX AMC Facility, administered by Gavi.

The virtual pledging conference was hosted by the Prime Minister of Japan, Suga Yoshihide, and Chair of the Gavi Board, José Manuel Barroso.

The summit brought together heads of state, representatives of the private sector and civil society as well as central technical partners. The aim of the event was to accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccine doses for lower-income economies.

Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari represented Finland at the meeting.

“Multilateral cooperation and global improvement of availability of vaccines are essential for ending the pandemic. Our pledge to Gavi proves that Finland is committed to enhancing vaccine solidarity. We intend to support Gavi also in 2022, because the effects of the pandemic will be felt for a long time,” said Skinnari.

Finland, together with the EU Member States and the European Commission, is committed to solidarity in action against the pandemic.