Prince Harry says COVID vaccine ‘must be distributed to everyone everywhere’ during star-studded ‘Vax Live’ concert
Prince Harry called for universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine during a speech at the star-studded “Vax Live” concert.
The Duke of Sussex was one of numerous high-profile public figures who participated in the event, which was taped Sunday at Los Angeles’ new SoFi Stadium and will air to the public this coming Saturday.
Harry said onstage that the coronavirus pandemic “cannot end unless we act collectively with an unprecedented commitment to our shared humanity,” according to People.
“The vaccine must be distributed to everyone everywhere,” Harry continued. “We cannot rest or truly recover until there is fair distribution to every corner of the world. The mission in front of us is one we cannot afford to fail out and that’s what tonight is about. The virus does not respect borders and access to the vaccine cannot be determined by geography. It must be accepted as a basic right for all and that is our starting point.”
Last month, Harry and wife Meghan Markle were named campaign chairs for the “Vax Live” event and are raising money to go toward the COVAX initiative that’s dedicated to furthering distribution of the vaccine.
Pop star and actress Selena Gomez hosted the concert and praised front line workers for their work during the pandemic.
“Many of us had to stay home, but you all didn’t have a choice,” Gomez said Sunday. “You set an example for all of us, both in how you stayed on the job and that we need to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Jennifer Lopez and the Foo Fighters were among the performers at SoFi Stadium, while President Biden said in a speech that was broadcast at the concert that government officials are collaborating with other world leaders to share the vaccines.
“The vaccines are safe,” Biden said. “I promise you. They work.”
With News Wire Services
