As the world waits and hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine, governments around the world are getting their orders in early, amid concerns poorer countries could be left out. So a recent announcement by China - that it was extending loans to Latin America - mainly so countries there would be able to purchase vaccines, was met with much gratitude.
Following a ministerial meeting between Latin American foreign ministries and Chinese consulates, China announced it will offer one billion dollars in loans to regional governments, which will guarantee them access to Chinese vaccines once cleared for public consumption. The money could also be used for other projects to fight the coronavirus.
This new loan project follows already substantial donations from China of medical equipment and supplies needed to fight the COVID-19 outbreak in Latin America - among the hardest hit regions of the world.
Alasdair Baverstock has more.