WASHINGTON — The ONE Campaign released the below statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to opt out of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) Facility that aims to distribute vaccines equitably around the world. So far, over 170 economies are engaged in discussions to potentially participate in the COVAX initiative. 

Tom Hart, North America executive director at The ONE Campaign:

“Not only does this move put the lives of millions around the world at risk, it could completely isolate Americans from an effective vaccine against COVID-19.

“Paired with the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, these decisions are an abdication of U.S. global leadership in fighting pandemics and will extend the life of COVID-19 globally, increase the death count and cost the world more money.”