The US has lauded Egypt on the successful arrival, on Wednesday, of nearly one million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
This shipment was made possible through COVAX, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The US is contributing $4bn to support COVAX, making it the single largest contributor to global COVID-19 vaccine access.
US Ambassador to Egypt Jonathan Cohen said, “The US is donating $4bn to support COVAX’s vital work, and we are excited to see them deliver the first of millions of vaccines to Egypt tonight.”
He added, “This is the first of many deliveries that will help our strategic partner Egypt beat this pandemic.”
The US contributions to COVAX, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will support the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to 92 countries.
This support is critical to controlling the pandemic, slowing the emergence of new variants, and helping to restart the global economy.
The US will also work with other donors to make further pledges and commitments to meet the COVAX’s critical needs. The US is committed to collaborating with partners and governments to support global COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
It has worked closely with Egypt throughout the duration of the pandemic, providing $37m to protect public health, strengthen the response to COVID-19, and support economic recovery.
These resources have helped Egypt with community engagement, infection prevention and control, and case management and laboratory systems. The country has also provided important commodities such as basic hygiene supplies, personal protective equipment, and ventilators.
The US additionally supports field epidemiologists, nurses, community health workers, and Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) volunteers, who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response in every governorate.
On the economic front, the US has helped the Egyptian Government study the impacts of COVID-19 on the Egyptian economy, in order to mitigate and manage a potential financial crisis. The US Government is also supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in disadvantaged communities to ensure their survival through the pandemic.
