OTTAWA: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Tuesday additional funding for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This $375 million contribution will help develop, produce, and distribute diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to low-andmiddle-income countries.
The announcement builds on the work that Canada has been doing to support vulnerable countries through this crisis, including by providing access to vaccines, tests, and treatments.
Since the start of this crisis, we have committed more than $2.5 billion to support the global COVID-19 response.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said: “The global COVID‑19 pandemic is a threat that we can only beat by working together. With the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants, it’s more important than ever for all countries to do their part to finish the fight against this virus, so we can build back better for everyone.
“We cannot beat the COVID-19 virus here at home unless we beat it everywhere around the world. Canada will continue to work with our partners through the G7, the G20, and other international organizations to beat the pandemic, support vulnerable countries, and build a stronger and more resilient world. Only together will we tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Trudeau said: “Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has been committed to facilitating equitable global access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines – because we can’t beat the virus at home unless we beat it everywhere. Today’s announcement will further support vulnerable countries in their pandemic response, and help us build a stronger and more resilient world.”
• Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has been one of the leading contributors to the global response efforts. Including today’s announcement of $375 million, Canada has mobilized more than $2.5 billion in international assistance in response to COVID-19. This includes:
◦ $1.3 billion for the ACT-Accelerator, a critical international partnership to ensure equitable
access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines which the Prime Minister has championed alongside other world leaders since May 2020;
◦ Over $740 million in humanitarian and development assistance to respond to the immediate needs created by COVID-19.
◦ Canada worked with organizations to adapt their existing funding arrangements with Global Affairs Canada to ensure their activities could address the immediate needs created by the pandemic in developing countries for a total of $541 million.
• Canada joined the ACTAccelerator as a co-lead on May 4, 2020. At the core of the ACTAccelerator framework are three partnerships (vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics) with a crosscutting work stream on health systems.
• This funding is also in addition to the $1 billion increase to Canada’s loan commitment to the International Monetary Fund’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, which provides interestfree loans to low-income countries.
• Since May 2020, Canada has provided more than $70 million in temporary debt service relief for the poorest countries through the G20 and Paris Club-agreed Debt Service Suspension Initiative.
• Reserved 120 million rapid antigen tests for low- and middleincome countries, and procured over 32 million molecular tests and 32 million rapid antigen tests for low- and middle-income countries.
• Provided training for over 23,000 health workers in almost 200 countries.
• Procured 2.9 million doses of dexamethasone – the only WHO-approved treatment for COVID-19, supported 15 clinical trials, investigated 21 therapies in 47 countries, with 85,000 patients enrolled.
• Procured more than US$500 million worth of PPE and developed global guidelines and training across multiple critical health system areas. Meanwhile, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said on Tuesday that Canada marked another significant milestone with 20 million doses of Covid19 vaccines delivered to provinces and territories!
PHAC also said: “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create stress and anxiety for many Canadians, particularly those who do not have ready access to their regular support networks. Through the Wellness Together Canada online portal, people of all ages across the country can access immediate, free and confidential mental health and substance use supports, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
“While COVID-19 continues to impact people of all ages in Canada, infection rates are highest among those under 60 years of age. Serious illness can occur at any age and evidence indicates that variants of concern can be associated with more severe illness and increased risk of death. In addition, circulation of COVID-19 in younger, mobile and socially-connected adults is an ongoing risk.”