TEXT JOIN TO 77022

Harry and Meghan Demand Vaccine Equity on Son Archie’s Second Birthday

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have called for donations to their Global Citizen campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine equity throughout the world in honor of their son Archie’s second birthday, CNN reported.

According to a statement on their nonprofit foundation website, archewell.com. the royal couple announced that “a number of organizations” would match every $5 donation with $15, which would cover the cost of four doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

“While some places are on the verge of healing, in so many parts of the world, communities continue to suffer. As of today, around 80 percent of the nearly one billion COVID-19 vaccine shots that have been given were administered in wealthier countries. While we may feel that normalcy is around the corner, we remind ourselves that in much of the world, and especially in developing countries, vaccine distribution has effectively yet to start,” their statement on Thursday read.

“We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honor of Archie’s birthday. Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of service — all through the goodness of your hearts,” it said.

“We cannot think of a more resonant way to honor our son’s birthday. If we all show up, with compassion for those we both know and don’t know, we can have a profound impact. Even a small contribution can have a ripple effect,” their statement said.

A second statement on behalf of their organization said: “Archewell, in partnership with Global Citizen and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working to ensure that people in all corners of the world can get equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their wealth or circumstance,” according to CNN.

The Duke and Duchess, also decided to share an “emotive” letter to the CEOs of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Norovax on Thursday urging them to increase their support for COVAX — the global vaccine-sharing initiative that provides discounted or free doses for lower-income countries, PA Media reported.

The proposed measures include “the temporary suspension of intellectual property and extraordinary global public-private collaboration resulting in wider transfer of technology and know-how.”

Get the news corporate media won't tell you.

Get caught up on today's must read stores!

By submitting your information, you agree to receive exclusive AG+ content, including special promotions, and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms. By providing your phone number and checking the box to opt in, you are consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from my short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

About Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith is a newcomer to Washington D.C. She met and married an American journalist and moved to D.C. from the U.K. She graduated with a B.A. in Graphics, Media, and Communications and worked in design and retail in the U.K.

Photo: (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)