Biden announces $500 million in aid and 1 million doses of mpox vaccine for Africa at the UN

In his speech, Biden expressed a call to action for other nations to join in this effort, urging them to match the U.S. pledge and create a combined commitment of $1 billion to support Africa’s fight against mpox. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the need for international cooperation in tackling not only health challenges but also broader global conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Biden emphasized that the world must unite to address humanitarian crises and called on leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people above political power. His remarks reflect a broader strategy to engage with Africa and reinforce U.S. partnerships on the continent, especially in light of ongoing health and security challenges.

Key Points from Biden’s Address

• Aid for mpox: Biden’s administration is providing $500 million and 1 million vaccine doses to combat the mpox outbreak in Africa.

• Call for Global Support: He urged international partners to contribute to a total of $1 billion in aid to support African nations.

• Broader Global Issues: Biden addressed the importance of resolving conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, linking these issues to the need for collective action and humanitarian support.

• Focus on Humanitarian Needs: The president stressed the importance of prioritizing humanitarian needs over political ambitions, advocating for a unified global response to crises.

This initiative and Biden’s broader engagement with Africa may be seen as an effort to strengthen ties and address pressing global health issues while he wraps up his presidency.