yan quinn has the details. reporter: a global response for a global pandemic. onononday the e european ununio wi h host a worldwide pledging marathon aimed at funding research into a vaccine and medication for covid-19. >> we know we can only defeat the virus with a vaccine. and for that, we need a global coordination. not only the research for the vaccine, but also when we haha it, the manufacturing so capacities have to be built up. reporter: the event aims to raise some $7.5 billion euros in initial funding via donations from individual countrtries, organizations and business foundations. that money to be channeled to a global pandemic board with three main subgroups for diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. the e.u. is joined in its efforts by partners like the world bank, the bill and melinda gates foundation and the world health organization. whicich put forth the call to action last week with french president emanual macron. macron and other e.u. leaders have given their strong backing to the w.h.o. which has come under harsh criticism frorom th trumump