The United States donates more than 600,000 single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to help Sudan fight the pandemic

Khartoum August 05, 2021 – 606,700 doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Khartoum International Airport. The vaccines were donated by the United States through the COVAX Facility dose-sharing mechanism. The J&J vaccines have World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval and are the first single dose vaccines to be provided in Sudan, enabling over 600,000 people in Sudan to be fully vaccinated with just a single shot.

The vaccines were delivered with UNICEF’s support through COVAX, a coalition co-led by the WHO, Gavi, the Global Vaccines Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working on the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to countries regardless of their income.

UNICEF is leading the procurement and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility in what is the largest, most complex ground operation in the history of immunization.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the United States has provided through United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding to support Sudan’s battle against the virus.

 “As part of the Federal Ministry of Health's endeavor to provide Covid-19 vaccines from all vaccine donor platforms, the ministry has contacted several entities (COVAX, African Union, Chinese Embassy, U.S. Embassy, etc.) to provide enough vaccines to reach more than 20% of the country's population in the first stage. Our firm belief is that vaccines are one of the most effective health interventions produced by humanity to combat and fight diseases, and COVID-19 vaccines are now relieving the pressure on health systems in all countries. Sudan has had its share of suffering from the impact of the pandemic on the health system, so we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who responded to Sudan's request for supplying it with vaccines. Said Dr. Omer Mohamed Elnagieb, Sudan’s Minister of Health “Today, (606,700) doses of “Johnson & Johnson” vaccine was received as a first shipment, and arrangements have been made at the central vaccine warehouse level to receive the shipment, and the technical committees in charge of arranging for the implementation of vaccinations have completed a number of meetings and are ready to start operations and vaccinations”.

“The United States is committed to fighting the pandemic worldwide using the power of democracy, the ingenuity of American scientists, and the strength of American manufacturing.  We are providing this vaccine with the singular objective of saving lives.” Said United States Chargé d’Affaires Brian Shukan

“This generous donation of vaccines by the United States will boost the fight against COVID-19, together with COVAX facility and partners we will continue ensuring everyone has equitable access to vaccines to end this pandemic” Said Mandeep O’Brien, UNICEF Sudan Representative “The Government of Sudan, WHO, partners and UNICEF are working together to ensure vaccines are available and used across all states in Sudan. As children prepare to go back to school, vaccinating teachers will help reduce the spread of the virus and will allow schools to remain open safely.”

"All of the vaccines procured in Sudan have received Emergency Use Listing by WHO which means they are effective and safe. The benefits far outweigh the rare side effects of the vaccine. WHO Sudan welcomes the incoming vaccines."  Said WHO Representative Dr. Ni'ma Saeed Abid