Suva, Fiji – On July 15, the U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced a new $1.5 million partnership with UNICEF to support governments around the region to vaccinate their populations quickly and effectively against COVID-19. This new partnership, which will support efforts in Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, will focus on readiness, delivery, and post-delivery monitoring of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. USAID assistance will also train partner institutions on the effective management of vaccines and will provide technical assistance to colleagues within partner country ministries of health for effective public messaging around vaccinations.
As one of the largest donors to COVAX, the United States is proud to be at the forefront of the global response and push for equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. In order to save lives around the world, rebuild the global economy, and stop the threat of new variants, we must vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
USAID continues to lead this effort on behalf of the American people, and we recognize that this unique moment in history requires strong, coordinated, and cooperation-minded American leadership. We will continue to do all we can to build a world that is safe and more secure against the threat of infectious disease.
USAID has provided $35 million in humanitarian support to the Pacific since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this award is part of our broader effort to not simply donate materials and commodities, but help ensure appropriate use, provide necessary technical support, and facilitate the development of critical skills for our partners across the region.