A global fundraising meeting has raised 6.15 billion euros ($6.9bn) from the United States, the European Commission and numerous countries to fight Covid-19, with many participants stressing that an eventual vaccine should be available to anyone who needs it.

The pledging summit, part of a joint initiative by the EU executive and advocacy group Global Citizen, also included a globally televised and streamed fundraising concert featuring Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Chloe X Halle, Usher and others.

Reuters reported that the Commission together with the European Investment Bank pledged 4.9bn euros ($5.50bn), the United States $545 million, Germany 383m euros, Canada C$300m ($219m)and Qatar $10m. Forty governments took part in the summit.