Ireland donates half a million Janssen Covid vaccines to Nigeria

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Ireland Donates Half A Million Janssen Covid Vaccines To Nigeria
It is the first consignment of vaccines donated by Ireland through COVAX. Photo: PA Images.
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Half a million Covid-19 vaccines donated by Ireland through the COVAX facility have arrived in Nigeria.

The donation of 500,000 single-dose Janssen vaccines will support the national rollout in Nigeria where the vaccination rate is below two per cent, a joint statement from the Department of Health and Department of Foreign Affairs said.

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It is the first consignment of vaccines donated by Ireland through COVAX, a worldwide initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines that is directed by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO has indicated that a global vaccination rate of 70 per cent is needed by mid-2022, if the world is to stem the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the risk of further mutations in the coronavirus.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: “Following Ireland’s recent direct donation of over 300,000 vaccines to Uganda, I welcome the first deliveries of vaccine doses donated through the COVAX process.

“This significant donation of 500,000 vaccines to Nigeria represents Ireland’s continued commitment to universal access to Covid-19 vaccines and their fair and equitable distribution as we work together to bring this global pandemic under control.”

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Minister for Overseas Development and Aid, Colm Brophy, said Ireland has committed to sharing 1.3 million vaccine doses through COVAX this year.

Ireland has furthermore committed €7 million in financial support for COVAX.

The facility has delivered over 500 million vaccine doses to 144 participants worldwide. More than 80 per cent of vaccines delivered to low-income countries have been facilitated via the COVAX facility.

Further vaccine donations through the COVAX facility will be made in the coming weeks, the Government statement added.

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