Following the UAE’s multilateral in-kind contribution and commitment to UNICEF to support COVAX in its global vaccine distribution efforts, the HOPE Consortium and UNICEF have entered into an agreement to support delivery of 65 ultra-cold freezers to Africa. The freezers are necessary for COVID-19 vaccines requiring ultra-cold storage and to enable African nations to efficiently absorb incoming vaccine supplies recently donated by the United States of America.
The delivery stands as a testament to the HOPE Consortium’s commitment to contribute to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitated by HOPE Consortium partners and other logistics providers, the shipment will reach 21 African nations.
Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, United Arab Emirates, said “the UAE remains committed to doing our part to mitigate the effects of the pandemic by helping countries overcome the logistical and technical challenges associated with the delivery of large-scale vaccination programmes. Our partnership with UNICEF plays a vital role in helping implement an effective global response to COVID-19, particularly within Africa. We are proud to support international efforts such as COVAX by dedicating the unique services of the HOPE Consortium.”
The COVAX mission seeks to ensure that vaccine supplies are equitably distributed to the world’s population. However, many nations face logistical limitations in their capacity to receive and safely store the temperature-sensitive vaccine supplies. To that end, the 65 ultra-cold freezers are a necessary preparatory strategy to enhance cold chain capabilities within recipient countries in anticipation of incoming deliveries of vaccines requiring storage at ultra-cold temperatures.
Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, said “these deliveries of ultra-cold freezers mark an important step towards equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. This critical infrastructure will boost the capacity of African countries to scale COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and will also support the management of other vaccines that may require ultra-cold storage temperatures. UNICEF is pleased to work with partners like the HOPE Consortium to support governments to strengthen health systems for the COVID-19 response and beyond – making them resilient for the future.”