Brussels (dpa) - Chancellor Angela Merkel and other heads of state and government have launched a call to collect 7.5 billion euros for vaccines and medicines against the corona virus.
Before an international donor conference planned for Monday, they made a joint guest contribution in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung".
"We will all put our own commitments on the table and we look forward to being accompanied by partners from around the world," the call said. "The funds we mobilize will set in motion unprecedented global collaboration between academics and regulators, industry and governments, international organizations, foundations, and healthcare professionals."
In addition to Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, EU Council President Charles Michel and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed. Von der Leyen announced the conference in mid-April.
The aim is to join forces worldwide to develop vaccines, medicines and tests against the coronavirus. Once the funds are found, they should be made available worldwide at affordable prices. The targeted 7.5 billion euros are considered start-up financing. The money is supposed to flow primarily to recognized global health organizations.