New York:The Seattle-headquartered Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Thursday announced that it will offer an additional $250 million to fund the research, development and equitable delivery of tools for Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
"We are confident that the world will get better in 2021, but whether it gets better for everyone depends on the actions of the world's leaders and their commitment to deliver tests, treatments, and vaccines to the people who need them, no matter where they live or how much money they have," said Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Foundation.
This funding will support continued innovation to develop tests, treatments, and vaccines that are easier to scale and deliver, to ensure many options are less expensive and can be used in different settings, according to the statement.
"Today's commitment will also support the delivery of new Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries," it said.
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Additionally, the funding would be used to enable countries to employ cutting-edge technology and delivery systems to plan and implement the rollout of vaccines.