Covid Vaccines: Unicef working on delivery of 2b doses to 92 countries

The Unicef is working with major global airlines and freight providers to step up efforts to deliver about 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines next year to over 92 countries as soon as those become available.

To kick-start preparations, Unicef together with the Pan American Health Organisation and the International Air Transport Association, briefed major global airlines last week on the expected capacity requirements and discussed ways to transport the vaccines, Unicef said yesterday.

This is in addition to the 1 billion syringes that need to be transported by sea-freight.

This virtual meeting comes close on the heels of the first-ever logistics event held virtually by Unicef to discuss the transportation of vaccines.

The discussion brought together more than 350 logistics partners, including air freight operators, shipping lines and global logistics associations.

"As work continues to develop Covid-19 vaccines, Unicef is stepping up efforts with airlines, freight operators, shipping lines and other logistics associations to deliver life-saving vaccines as quickly and safely as possible," said Etleva Kadilli, director of Unicef's supply division.

This invaluable collaboration will go a long way to ensure that enough transport capacity is in place for this historic and mammoth operation, she added.

"We need all hands on deck as we get ready to deliver Covid-19 vaccine doses, syringes and more personal protective equipment to protect front line workers around the globe. By protecting these workers, we are ultimately protecting  millions of children who depend on their critical services," Kadilli said.

The procurement, delivery and distribution of novel coronavirus vaccines is anticipated to be the largest and fastest such operation ever undertaken.

The Unicef is leading efforts to procure and deliver vaccines from manufacturers that have agreements with the COVAX Facility.