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Washington (AP) —The United States, in collaboration with the African Union, will release the first COVID-19 vaccine to Africa in the coming days with the ultimate goal of sharing 25 million doses across the continent this summer. We will start shipping.
State Department spokeswoman Yarina Porter said the first dose donated was sent to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burkina Faso, and the United States is working with the COVAX Global Vaccine Alliance. In total, the dose will eventually go to 49 African countries.
According to the White House, Djibouti and Burkina Faso will each receive 151,200 Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines, and Ethiopia will receive 453,600 single doses.
“For decades, the United States has partnered with sub-Saharan African countries, working with African governments, regional agencies, civil society and others to promote opportunities and tackle global challenges.” Said NSC Senior Director of the Bank of Africa Dana. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. “
Non-governmental organizations have praised Biden’s move to begin sharing vaccines with Africa, but the warning doses have not arrived fast enough to delay the fatal outbreak.
“Africa is returning to blockade as many wealthy countries return to normal,” said Tom Hart, CEO of the ONE campaign. This is a good next step, but in reality Africa needs 200 million doses by the end of September to stop the crisis. “
Shipments will be part of the initial supply of 80 million shipments that President Joe Biden promised to ship to the world by the end of June, but delivery was delayed due to recipient country regulations and logistics hurdles. .. They mark the Biden administration’s down payment on plans to buy and donate an additional 500 million doses for the world next year.
To date, the United States has shipped more than 53 million COVID-19 vaccines to more than 30 countries and territories.
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