Jamaica Among PAHO Countries To Get More Vaccines
By: , September 30, 2021
Photo: Contributed © PAHO/WHO
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. (Photo © PAHO/WHO)The Full Story
Jamaica is among several Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) member countries slated to receive additional coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines shortly through the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility.
PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, said the entity will be working closely with COVAX over the forthcoming months to deliver “tens of millions” of doses to the region.
She indicated that many of these are earmarked for countries with low vaccine coverage, which also include Guatemala and Nicaragua.
“Our technical and procurement teams have been working closely with these countries to help them prepare health workers and systems, so they can absorb and administer these vaccines quickly,” Dr. Etienne added.
She was speaking during PAHO’s COVID-19 digital media briefing on Wednesday (September 29).
Dr. Etienne also advised that PAHO signed an agreement with the manufacturer of the Sinovac vaccine, indicating that “we have begun accepting orders that will be ready for delivery this year.”
Approximately 80.5 million doses are expected to be delivered to the region this year and another 80 million in 2022.
Dr. Etienne indicated that PAHO’s Revolving Fund is in advanced discussions with other manufacturers to purchase additional vaccines on behalf of member states, to complement bilateral deals, donations, and doses that they are receiving via COVAX
“We are expecting to sign new agreements in the coming days to buy vaccines that have Emergency Use Listing approval from other suppliers for 2021 and 2022,” she informed.
The Director said PAHO has helped COVAX deliver 50 million doses across Latin America and the Caribbean, including nearly 14 million that were donated.
Noting that the region has the capacity to quickly scale up this support, Dr. Etienne urged countries with excess vaccines, and can assist those with limited access to doses to deliver these quickly, “as lives hang in the balance”.
“Indeed, PAHO is doing everything it can to accelerate vaccinations in our region,” she assured.