Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo released the following statement applauding Pfizer for the launch of its Accord For a Healthier World, in which Pfizer has pledged to increase access to Pfizer’s patented medicines and vaccines for 1.2 billion people living in 45 lower-income countries on a not-for-profit basis.

"Expanding global access to high-quality medicines and vaccines will require ongoing efforts from governmental and private sector leaders across the world. Pfizer's announcement to expand access to their medicines and vaccines to 1.2 billion people in 45 lower-income countries is an important example of being a responsible corporate citizen. Among the many global challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that governments alone cannot address all the health challenges we face. Through Pfizer's work to close health outcome gaps and create global access to vaccines, we'll make strides toward essential components that can help us address many of the inequalities we face and ensure we come out of the pandemic stronger than before.”