Shoulders of scientists19 Feb 2021 19:47
'Today's virtual summit will see Mr Johnson urge Britain's fellow members – the US, Japan, Canada, Germany, France and Italy – to increase funding for Covax.
In addition, he will call on the group to support the 100-day target set by the international Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi) for developing and approving new vaccines and treatments.
Mr Johnson's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance is to work with the WHO and Cepi, along with industry experts, in the drive to secure faster results.
'Perhaps more than ever, the hopes of the world rest on the shoulders of scientists,' Mr Johnson will say. 'Over the last year, like countless times before, they have risen to the challenge.
'The development of viable coronavirus vaccines offers the tantalising prospect of a return to normality, but we must not rest on our laurels. As leaders of the G7 we must say today 'never again'.
By harnessing our collective ingenuity, we can ensure we have the vaccines, treatments and tests to be battle-ready for future health threats.'