The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced that it will share 25 million surplus doses of the coronavirus vaccine, most of which will be donated to the COVAX initiative of the World Health Organization, Reuters reported.

The White House says it will provide about 19 million doses of the vaccine to COVAX. About 6 million doses will be shipped directly to countries in need—including Mexico, Canada, and South Korea—, as well as to leading UN staff.

"We are sharing these doses not to secure favors or extract concessions," Biden said. "We are sharing these vaccines to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic, with the power of our example and with our values."

The US will provide "at least" 20 million doses of the vaccine by the end of June.