THE World Bank Group expects commitments to COVID-19 vaccination operations to reach USD 4 billion by mid-2021 in 50 countries, the group's President Mr David Malpass said on Friday.

Addressing the Development Committee, Mr Malpass said their goal during the pandemic is to "act quickly and to help as many countries as possible."

"These actions include new Covid-related emergency health programs in 112 countries, vaccination operations that we expect will reach USD 4 billion of commitments available in 50 countries by mid-year, and a quick doubling of our trade and working capital finance to help fill the banking vacuum that hit private sectors," he outlined.

World Bank Managing Director of Operations Mr Axel van Trotsenburg said they will have committed USD 2 billion by end of April for vaccine development, distribution and production in low and middle-income countries.

In 2020, the lender saw record 65 per cent growth in commitments as group-wide totals topped USD 100 billion for the first time.

"We expect this elevated level of delivery to continue in 2021," said Mr Malpass.