Today’s announcement on global vaccine distribution creates welcome momentum for America’s global response in the fight against COVID-19 ahead of the G-7 next week. As this past year has shown, as long as the virus surges anywhere, it threatens lives and destabilizes our recovery. The Administration’s plan to distribute 25 million vaccines, mostly through COVAX to Latin America, Asia and Africa, is critical in responding to the growing humanitarian crises and addressing new variants that could reverse progress we’ve made here at home.

The reality is that just because those of us vaccinated can take our masks off, it doesn’t mean the global pandemic emergency is over. We are pleased to see policymakers on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue tackling the global pandemic response, from today’s announcement to important emergency resources including for GAVI previously passed by Congress. We’ve come too far to take our foot off the gas pedal when it comes to our global response. Ensuring equitable vaccine and supply distribution and delivery is critical to getting it right.