GAVI raises $567 million of $2 billion goal to buy COVID-19 vaccines for poor

FILE PHOTO: Small bottles labeled with a "Vaccine COVID-19" sticker and a medical syringe are seen in this illustration taken taken April 10, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

LONDON (Reuters) - The GAVI vaccines alliance said on Thursday it had raised $567 million towards an initial goal of $2 billion (1.6 billion pounds) from international donors for an Advanced Market Commitment to buy future COVID-19 vaccines for poor countries.

The deal would help secure enough COVID-19 vaccine doses - when the shots have been developed - for poor countries to immunise healthcare workers and those at high risk, it said, as well as creating a "buffer of doses" for use when needed.