Coronavirus: Scott Morrison commits $350m for vaccine research

Scott Morrison has pledged $352m to a vaccine research fundraiser that has drawn promises of nearly $US8bn.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says almost $US8bn has been raised from a vaccine research fundraiser. Picture: AP

Scott Morrison has pledged $352m to a European Commission-led vaccine research fundraiser that has drawn promises of nearly $US8bn from around the world.

The Prime Minister sent a video message for the electronic event, hosted by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, saying: “Gidday from Australia. COVID-19 is putting us all to the test and it is a test we are all rising to. This is a great shared project by the peoples of the world with a clear purpose to find that vaccine for COVID-19. A safe vaccine, available to all, ­affordable to all.”

But, while there were pledges from European and G20 countries, notable omissions from the project included two of the worst-hit countries, the US and Russia. Japan was the largest donor with $US800m.

Mr Morrison said in the recorded message: “In Australia and around the world our best and brightest medical minds and ­researchers are working tirelessly in the service of all peoples. Today Australia is pledging $352m towards this global effort to fight COVID-19 and find that vaccine.’’

The money includes funds already committed to Australian institutions such as the University of Queensland, the ­Doherty Institute and the CSIRO, which are already working with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to fast-track a vaccine, as well as $337m to fund COVID-19 ­research and development work on vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics and respiratory medicine in Australia.

But new money includes $15m to help develop COVID-19 vaccines and diagnostics to be shared equally between CEPI and the Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics (FIND).

“Our pledge builds on the $170m that we contribute every single year to global partners working on the development and deployment of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics,” Mr Morrison said.

US President Donald Trump said he was OK with the idea of Australia or another nation beating the US to the breakthrough. He said American and Australian scientists were working together. “I just want to get a vaccine that works,” he told Fox News.

Additional reporting: AAP