As soon as the news on the promising development of the COVID-19 vaccine surfaced, The Gates & Melinda Foundation pledged that it’ll fund $70 million to make sure that everyone gets vaccinated. Especially, those who cannot afford the vaccine.

“COVID-19 anywhere is COVID-19 everywhere,” Melinda Gates, co-chair of the foundation, said in a statement. “That is why we have to ensure that everyone gets equal access to tests, drugs, and vaccines when they are available — no matter where you live in the world.”

According to the organization, $50 million was allocated to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment group and $20 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Gavi and CEPI are co-leading the vaccine efforts for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, a global group that aims to advance equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, according to the foundation.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Chan Initiative Funds Non-Profits and NGO’s

Mark Zuckerberg’s The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) started funding nonprofit organizations and NGOs that serve North Fair Oaks, Redwood City, Belle Haven, and East Palo Alto grants of up to $100,000 as part of its 2021 CZI Community Fund.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative joins hands with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the research and treatment of the Coronavirus. The former announced that it would be contributing a whopping $25 million towards the Covid-19 Therapeutics Acceleration Program launched by Bill Gates. The project which focuses on providing affordable treatments to people infected by the virus is also being funded by Mastercard and charity foundation Wellcome.

Mr. Gates who recently stepped down from his roles in Microsoft to focus on his philanthropy activities first initiated the program in early March right when the global pandemic became uncontrollable. Several NGOs around the world are also serving economically affected people with food and shelter during the time of the crisis.