Japan Urges Commitment In The Fight Against COVID-19

By Manyuon Mayen Manyuon, Juba

The Japanese government has called for continuous solidarity and commitments in a fight against the coronavirus pandemic across the globe.  

Suga Yoshihide, the Japanese Prime Minister made a remark during the COVAX AMC virtual Summitheld on June 2 that brought about 40 World leaders aboard.

The Summit co-hosted by the Government of Japan led by the Prime Minister and Gavi,represented by Mr. José Manuel Barroso, Gavi Board Chair as well as Japan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu was organized to raise additional funding to secure necessary vaccines for developing countries by the end of 2021. 

This was in order to ensure equitable access to safe, effective and quality-assured vaccines to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic through the COVAX Facility. 

But while calling for further solidarity and commitments from the international community towards a fight against the pandemic, Prime Minister Suga expressed Japan’s full support for ensuring equitable access to safe and effective vaccines for as many people as possible. 

It is in a view to achieving Universal Health Coverage guided by the principle of human security, the top leader added. 

While Japan has continuously supported the efforts by the COVAX Facility, including through its financial contribution amounting to 200 million USD, PM Suga announced Japan’s additional contribution of 800 million USD during the Summit. 

The Prime Minister expressed Japan’s intention to provide, when circumstances allow and at an appropriate time, around 30 million doses of vaccines manufactured in Japan to other countries and regions, including through the COVAX Facility.

The participants in the Summit included leaders and ministers from about 40 countries. 

These include Ms. Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States of America, and Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as well as H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General and other heads of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and representatives from the civil society and the private companies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Motegi Toshimitsu, the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister expressed his hope for further cooperation among countries and organizations. 

The Minister emphasized, on the cooperation with partners including the private sector during the discussion.

This includes Japan’s “Last One Mile Support”, which contributes to the delivery of vaccines down to the last person by leveraging Japan’s technology and strength, according to the Minister.

As such, he appealed for further collaboration with the COVAX Facility.

COVID-19 -Vaccines Global Access, abbreviated as COVAX, is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health

During the Summit, many additional pledges were announced from governments and the private sector.