The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has received CAD$70 million through a donation from Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (canGIVE) to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The funds will be used to help reduce COVID-19 mortality in 11 countries, including Colombia, Jamaica, and Haiti, with a special focus on vulnerable priority groups.

Vicente Teran, acting UNICEF country representative said the agency “appreciates very much the generous donation received from the Government of Canada”.

He also noted that the support will not only increase access but also bolster the uptake of the vaccines in selected countries.

“The contribution will also strengthen gender-sensitive primary healthcare services, including routine immunisation, and water, sanitation and hygiene services, which will help the listed countries to be better prepared to respond to future public health emergencies,” eran said.

He further said the support will place the country on a solid foundation as it “transitions from managing COVID-19 as an acute global emergency, towards integration and strengthening of primary healthcare to be more resilient to future challenges.”

Teran also expressed that the fund will allow UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to continue the initiative to implement a digital COVID-19 vaccination information management system and establish oxygen plants at various hospitals.

“The funds will allow for the expansion and modernisation of the immunisation programme in several areas, and ensure greater access for Jamaicans, as well as greater efficiency for the hard-working public health workers, who have capably steered us through the past two years,” he said.

Canada is a top-10 contributor to UNICEF’s programmes worldwide. The partnership with Canada covers a wide range of programmed areas, with a special focus on girls and women, and vulnerable populations.

–Jamaica Information Service