LONDON, April 20 (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday said it
would launch a new international expert group to help bolster
the world's preparedness for the next pandemic and expedite the
development of vaccines against future diseases when they
emerge.
Launched under Britain's Presidency of the Group of Seven
(G7) rich nations, the Pandemic Preparedness Partnership (PPP)
will report to the G7 leaders summit in June, and will advise on
how to achieve Prime Minister Boris Johnson's target of
developing vaccines against future diseases within 100 days.
"As G7 President, the UK is determined to work with our
partners to build back better from coronavirus and strengthen
global preparedness for future pandemics," Health Minister Matt
Hancock said ahead of a virtual two-day meeting of the group.
"This new expert group will drive our efforts in the years
ahead to protect people everywhere from new diseases and to save
lives."
The PPP will be chaired by the UK government's Chief
Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance, and its steering group
includes executives from COVID-19 vaccine makers AstraZeneca
, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson as well as
scientists.
Britain said there would also be 16 million pounds ($22.37
million) more funding for the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to support global vaccine supply
and development.
($1 = 0.7152 pounds)
(Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)