His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani participated in the Global Vaccine Summit 2020 earlier today.

The virtual summit chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeks to raise funds for GAVI - the global vaccine alliance, a public-private global health partnership.

The raised amount will be used to support vaccinations and immunizations in some of the poorest countries in the world against infectious disease, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

The summit will see the virtual participation of representatives of more than 50 countries, including 35 heads of state or government, according to Reuters. 

The summit aims to urge nations to unite efforts in the cause and raise at least $7.4 billion to immunize 300 million children against diseases such as polio, diphtheria, and measles over the next five years.

HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad: Based on human solidarity, We have provided medical supplies to more than 20 countries worldwide, in addition to providing financial aid, totalling US $140 million, to healthcare bodies that developing vaccines.#GVS2020 #Doha #Qatar #MarsalQatar https://t.co/twtkWCRvU3

— Marsal Qatar English (@MarsalQatar_EN) June 4, 2020

Below is the address of HH the Amir speaking at the Summit:

"In the name of God Almighty, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Mr. Boris Johnson, The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

for organizing and hosting this important conference

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge and a threat to all humanity, on all levels.

In the absence of an effective vaccine or treatment, some countries found themselves facing two choices. Both are bitter.

Either to protect themselves by lockdown, which might paralyze the economy, or not to sacrifice the economy, but risk people's lives.

Some countries chose to compromise by coexisting with the pandemic and fighting it at the same time.

This crisis showed that international cooperation and the exchange of experiences are indispensable.

This requires increasing the mutual efforts to eradicate COVID-19 using effective vaccines and medication, and getting ready to confront future pandemics in the long run.

Qatar did its best to respond quickly to the serious ramifications of the crisis and went above and beyond, taking preventive actions and measures, to limit its impact, and to protect its citizens and residents

Considering the significance of human solidarity, in these testing times, we offered over 20 countries around the world, medical aid, including medical equipment and supplies, and building field hospitals, in addition to $140 million in financial aid to the multilateral healthcare institutions that work in vaccine development and guarantee the effectiveness of medical care, especially in developing countries.

In this context, we invite the international community to work together, to guarantee health equity, regarding access to medication, and the required medical equipment for all countries.

Qatar renews its support to the World Health Organization (WHO) for its outstanding efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforcing the global preparedness to combat any future pandemics.

I would like to declare Qatar's new commitment to provide an additional $20 million in aid.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude once more to the United Kingdom for organizing this conference hoping that it will achieve its desired outcomes.

Peace and God's Mercy and blessings be upon you."

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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@Marsalqatar