BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s executive commission has pledged to double its contribution to the World Health Organization’s COVAX program. The additional support brings the EU’s commitment to the global initiative to deliver vaccines to poor nations to $1.2 billion. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced the contribution on Friday during a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven economic powers. The EU is one of the leading donors to COVAX, which has missed a goal of starting vaccination in poor countries at the same time that doses were rolled out in rich countries. Von der Leyen also announced an additional $121 million to support vaccination campaigns in Africa.
