The British Foreign Office pledged Thursday to mobilize 105 million pounds (125 million euros) in emergency aid to the most vulnerable countries to defend themselves from the Omicron variant, especially in Africa.

According to the UK government, the aid will be used to increase the supply of oxygen and testing for covid-19 so that the health systems in these countries can respond more effectively to the spread of this highly contagious variant.

The funding will also facilitate hygiene measures, especially in health centers, schools, and other public places, the ministry said in a statement quoted by Lusa.

Meanwhile, the British government revealed that the UK has already distributed more than 30 million vaccines as part of its commitment to donate 100 million doses to countries in need, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia or Rwanda.

Of those 30 million doses, 24.6 million were delivered through the COVAX program for distribution in various countries, and the rest were offered directly to countries such as Kenya, Jamaica, and Indonesia.

"The UK is providing vital assistance to help combat the spread of new variants around the world. This is essential to ensure our freedom and end this pandemic once and for all," said Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Covid-19 has caused more than 5.41 million deaths worldwide since the start of the pandemic, according to the most recent report from Agence France-Presse.