(Photo: VCG)

ROME, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday used social media to state that Italy was "proud" to contribute to the three multilateral medical organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conte's remarks came after a broader event called by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised 7.4 billion euros (8.07 billion US dollars) to help find a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Italy pledged 140 million euros for the three organizations, according to a communique from von der Leyen's office.

Italy will donate 120 million euros to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private group that focuses on immunizations in the developing world.

Additionally, Italy will contribute 10 million euros each to the WHO and to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a public-private foundation that helps fund research projects.

Conte used social media to express his support: "Italy is proud to contribute to accelerating the development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics by supporting" the three organizations, he wrote.