Efforts are intensified to bring vaccines against COVID-19 to the most fragile populations in Latin America

The Government of Canada and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will extend their collaboration to increase access to vaccines against COVID-19 among populations that have yet to benefit from immunization efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean.

To this end, Canada will provide US$33.4 million to support PAHO’s response to the pandemic, adding to an earlier contribution of nearly US$40 million made in May 2021. Nearly a third of the new Funds will go to national interventions in Colombia, Haiti and Jamaica.

The announcement was made during an event in Kingston as part of the launch of Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE), which seeks to work with countries on vaccine delivery and distribution, in efforts to increase confidence in immunization processes, and in promoting the regional production of vaccines.

The pandemic is not over

“The pandemic is not over. Last month, the Americas region reported more than 3.6 million new cases of COVID-19 and 18,000 new deaths.a 42% and 28% increase in cases and deaths, respectively,” said Ciro Ugarte, director of Health Emergencies for the UN agency.

Ugarte congratulated the Government of Canada for its continued support to PAHO and to the countries of the region to face the pandemic: “We will continue to build on our past efforts to achieve optimal health and contribute to the well-being of all the peoples of the Americas.” Ugarte added.

Although more than 70% of the inhabitants of the region have completed a vaccination scheme to date203 million people have not received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“While we wish we had turned the page on COVID-19, we know it’s not that simple. There is still work to be done to control the spread of the virus, move towards recovery and build stronger health systems,” Canada’s Minister for International Development Harjit Sajjan said at the event.

“Canada’s partnership with the Pan American Health Organization will help improve access to vaccines against COVID-19, especially for people in vulnerable situations, including women and girls. It will also promote better vaccine surveillance and support the work of health workers,” added Minister Sajjan.

What will the new funds be used for?

With the new funds, PAHO will support its States in Latin America and the Caribbean in strengthening health systems and immunization programs, and in incorporating vaccination against COVID-19 into regular vaccination schedules.

It will also support the implementation of information systems and digital platforms for the surveillance of the COVID-19 vaccine, research initiatives to generate evidence on the perception and acceptance of vaccines, and community outreach and participation efforts that encourage vaccination. .

Backed by Canada, from 2021, PAHO has provided guidance to health authorities in the development and implementation of vaccination campaigns against COVID-19ensuring that populations in situations of vulnerability are adequately reflected and prioritized in 28 Member States.

PAHO and Canada have also collaborated with 22 countries to strengthen their cold chain capacity to safely administer and distribute vaccines, a long-term investment that will improve regular immunization programs and strengthen health systems.