G20, led by Saudi Arabia contributed more than $21 billion to fight COVID-19

G20, an international forum for the governments and central bank governors which houses 20 of the world’s richest and rising economies, has contributed more than $21 billion to support the fight against novel coronavirus

“The G20, with invited countries, has coordinated the global efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, G20 members and invited countries have pledged over US$21 billion to support funding in global health”
– G20 Statement

The contributions will be utilized towards diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and research and development.

The group has earlier in April urged all countries, non-governmental organizations, philanthropies and the private sector to support meeting the monetary requirement to combat the COVID-19 pandemic which had an estimated financing gap of $8 billion.

Saudi Arabia, the current G20 host has already committed $500 million to assist worldwide attempts to fight the pandemic. It is expected to further allot $150 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation, $150 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations, and $200 million to other health organizations and programs.