G20 urges COVID help for poor states, but short on new commitments

ROME - The group of 20 rich countries said on Monday more efforts were needed to help poor countries vaccinate their populations against COVID-19, but steered clear of making new numerical or financial commitments.

Italy, which holds the G20 presidency this year, said after the gathering that the "Pact of Rome," where the meeting was held on Sunday and Monday, included a political agreement to increase support for poor nations and send them more vaccines. "The level of (vaccine) inequality is too high and is not sustainable," Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza told reporters.