Stars Beckham, Eilish back Unicef calls for G7 to donate vaccines

New York, Jun 8 (EFE).- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors including David Bekham, Billie Eilish, Fernando Alonso, Orlando Bloom and Sergio Ramos on Tuesday urged G7 countries to commit to donating doses of Covid-19 vaccines to poorer countries with immediate effect.

The letter published three days ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall urges leaders to commit to sharing at least 20% of their vaccine supplies to developing countries urgently to stop the spread of the virus.

“The world has spent a year and a half battling the Covid-19 pandemic, but the virus is still spreading in many countries and producing new variants with the potential to put us all back where we started,” the letter reads.

“The pandemic will not be over anywhere until it is over everywhere, and that means getting vaccines to every country, as quickly and equitably as possible. This weekend’s G7 Summit is a vital opportunity for you to agree on the actions that will get vaccines where they are most needed, fast,” it added.

The letter said COVAX, the global initiative to help developing countries gain access to vaccines, is facing a shortfall of 190 million doses. If G7 countries donate 20% of their vaccines between June and August, 150 million doses could reach poorer countries and help cover this shortfall.

Other celebrities who backed the initiative included Olivia Colman, Pau Gasol, Whoopi Goldberg, Katy Perry, Ewan McGregor, Andy Murray, Liam Neeson, Liam Payne, Sergio and P!nk.

G7 leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan will meet in Cornwall from June 11-13.

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