U.S. to ask world for more on global Covid fight as its own cash dwindles

U.S. to ask world for more on global Covid fight as its own cash dwindles Ahead of the summit, some officials worry the Biden administration’s effort is hobbled by a lack of additional pandemic response funding. YahooNews

The White House is hosting a global Covid response summit this week — but the U.S. isn't currently prepared to bring significant new money to fight the virus worldwide, according to two people familiar with the preparations.

Some senior administration officials and health advocates said they fear the world will see the lack of renewed financial assistance by the U.S. as a retreat from the global efforts, and that could affect the Biden administration’s ability to drum up support from other countries.

“If we had more funding to commit, things would be different,” one senior administration official said. “Without that money, it’s hard to see us continuing … to be able to lead the world.”

Without additional funds, it will be difficult for U.S. vaccine programs abroad to continue — some programs are planning to wind down in the coming month. Still, administration officials working on the global Covid effort said they are dedicated to ensuring people in low-income countries have access to Covid-19 shots.

Concerns about the summit come after U.S. lawmakers failed to approve $5 billion in additional funding for the global pandemic response. Democrats and Republicans are negotiating whether to attach an additional request in a Ukraine assistance package, but it’s unclear whether Congress will come to an agreement before the summit. ...