The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday vowed to lead in the manufacture and worldwide supply of coronavirus vaccines, appointing a coordinator to navigate the country's vaccine diplomacy.
"I know that many countries are asking for the United States to do more, some with growing desperation because of the scope and scale of their COVID emergencies. We hear you. And I promise, we're moving as fast as possible," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a speech at the State Department.
"We'll work with global partners on manufacturing and supplies to ensure there will be enough vaccine for everyone, everywhere," he added.
The remarks come as countries such as China and Russia are seeking to expand their influence by providing vaccines to developing nations.
Blinken said he appointed Gayle Smith, a former administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, as the coordinator for the global pandemic response and health security.
He emphasized assisting other countries in their fight against the pandemic is in the interest of the United States as allowing the virus to continue to wreak havoc globally will result in the emergence of new variants that could spread in the country.
"The world has to come together to bring the COVID pandemic to an end everywhere. And for that to happen, the United States must act and we must lead," the secretary said.
Among efforts the United States is making, Blinken cited its collaboration with Australia, India and Japan -- a group of countries collectively known as the Quad -- to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity and support countries in the Indo-Pacific.
