EU leaders have agreed to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries by the end of the year as shipments in Europe grow steadily, AP reported.

Following the summit, the leaders of the 27 EU countries approved a statement in which they promise to continue efforts to increase global vaccine production capacity to meet global needs.

They also urged to step up efforts to ensure global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and reaffirmed their support for the UN-backed COVAX program.

Leaders have acknowledged that vaccination is finally gaining popularity in their continent after a painfully slow start compared to successful campaigns in the US, UK, and Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the leaders with data suggesting that 300 million doses will be delivered to the region by the end of May, with about 46% of the 450 million adult population receiving at least the first dose of the vaccine.

But as vaccination campaigns continue to evolve in the Western world, poorer countries are struggling to purchase vaccines.