World Bank head urges countries to sign vaccine contracts now
Malpass also underscored the importance of the G20’s climate agenda
FILE PHOTO: World Bank President David Malpass responds to a question from a reporter during an opening press conference at the IMF and World Bank's 2019 Annual Fall Meetings of finance ministers and bank governors, in Washington, U.S., October 17, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Theiler//File Photo
World Bank President David Malpass on Friday urged countries to enter contracts for Covid-19 vaccines now so they could get delivery schedules, saying it was vital to get started in more countries and work through more channels.
In remarks to Group of 20 finance officials, Malpass also hammered his push for greater transparency in the contracts signed by buyers, manufacturers and intermediaries to accelerate global vaccination efforts critical to contain the pandemic.
Malpass also underscored the importance of the G20's climate agenda, noting that the World Bank was launching new country climate and development reviews to integrate climate into all its country diagnostics and strategies.
