Germany intends to donate 100 million doses of vaccine by the end of this year as part of the international vaccination campaign against COVID-19. “This is as much as we have used in our country so far,” – Federal Health Minister Spahn said on the sidelines of a meeting of health ministers from G20 countries in Rome. The goal is to vaccinate at least 40 percent of the world’s population by the end of the year. The CDU politician said the pandemic will only end when it is contained worldwide. Otherwise, variants could emerge, which would then reach Germany again and cause problems.
G20 health ministers to discuss further action to combat COVID-19
At the two-day meeting of G20 health ministers, the main topic is the coronavirus pandemic. According to Italy’s health minister, Italy is seeking to sign a “Rome Pact” to vaccinate people around the world. No country can save itself, he said, but the weapon at our disposal is vaccines. Italy currently holds the presidency of the G20.
Health ministers want to discuss next steps on the pandemic. Among other things, they will discuss current ways to combat COVID-19 and strategies for the future. The ministers will consider ways to better and more equitably disseminate scientific knowledge and access to vaccines around the world. The goal is “a strong message of cooperation, solidarity and justice so that no one is left behind,” organizers in Italy said.
Almost 51 million people in Germany are fully vaccinated
On the occasion of the summit, Spahn also called for more vaccinations in Germany. In his opinion, at least another 5 million vaccinations are needed to get through the coming months safely. It is also necessary to act faster. So far, 50.9 million people, or 61.2 percent of the population, have been fully vaccinated in Germany. The federal health minister urged citizens who are still hesitant to take up the offer of vaccination against coronavirus as soon as possible. “Now, in September, we will decide, both in Germany and in Europe, how safely we get through the autumn and winter,” he added.
Spahn stressed that by vaccinating we protect not only ourselves but also others, especially the weaker members of society. He pointed out that “those who do not get vaccinated will sometimes find themselves in a more difficult situation, simply because of the lack of protection.” At the same time, Spahn once again spoke out against mandatory vaccination, which he said would lead to divisions. The German health minister made it clear that, in his opinion, there are only a “very small number” of people who fundamentally and strongly reject vaccination. “The others we can and want to reach,” Spahn stated.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de