The Federal Government is being urged to contribute an additional $200 million to the global vaccination effort, COVAX, ahead of a pledging summit on Wednesday.

With Melbourne currently in lockdown due to another COVID outbreak, caused by a hotel quarantine leak, it is clear Australia will remain at risk until the global pandemic ends. 

End COVID For All campaign spokesman Reverend Tim Costello said “We are currently giving the equivalent of $3 each, less than a coffee’s worth of funding, to the COVAX initiative. 

“Comparatively, Germany is giving $18 per capita, the UK $14 per capita and the US $9 per capita. 

“Australia started off well but an additional $200 million would bring us more in line with our fair share contribution of $11 each. 

“While COVID runs rampant in developing countries and new strains mutate, we are all at risk of further outbreaks. 

“No one is safe until everyone is safe, because infectious diseases do not respect borders. 

“We also have a moral obligation to help countries who are not as well equipped as us to handle outbreaks. 

“Australia has a long history of helping our neighbours when they are in need and mateship is at the core of who we are as a nation.

“We should be able to stand proud on the world stage knowing we have contributed as much as we can in the global fight against this insidious virus. 

“The Federal Government has the opportunity to help plug the $USD2 billion funding gap COVAX currently faces.

“With this funding, COVAX will be able to secure 1.8 million doses of safe and effective COVID vaccines for 92 low and middle-income countries who may not have been able to procure doses on their own.

“This will mean 30 per cent of the population in developing countries will be vaccinated and will greatly reduce Australia’s risk of outbreaks from international travellers.”

Should Australia donate more to ensure poorer countries are vaccinated against COVID-19?