UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore's remarks at the World Immunisation & Logistics Summit, hosted by the HOPE Consortium

NEW YORK, 29 March 2021 - "On behalf of everyone at UNICEF, thanks to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation –and the Hope Consortium – For organizing the Summit.

"This Summit is an opportunity to draw attention to the need for partnerships as we fight COVID-19.

"With partners like the UAE, the COVAX Facility is supporting more than 100 countries to vaccinate their populations.

"And providing critical supplies like testing kits, protective clothing and food.

"The only way of this pandemic is to ensure that every country is vaccinated.

"And that less-wealthy countries are not left behind.

"Through COVAX, UNICEF is proud to be leading the largest vaccine procurement and delivery in history.

"With our partners Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and CEPI, we’re working to provide equitable access to up to 2 billion doses of the vaccine by year’s end.

"We’ve joined forces with manufacturers, airlines and logistics companies –  and with the PAHO Revolving Fund – to procure and deliver vaccines for 92 low and lower-middle-income countries.

"And to support the procurement of vaccines for about 97 upper-middle-income and high-income nations.

"In total, this represents more than four-fifths of the world’s population.

"To date, more than 31 million doses have been delivered to 57 countries.

"Including Ghana and Ivory Coast, which became Africa’s first COVAX vaccine recipients in February.

"In addition to the procurement and delivery, UNICEF is also working with countries to prepare them for the rollout.

"This involves mapping-out cold chain equipment and storage capacity.

"For example, we’ve delivered thousands of new fridges to keep vaccines at the right temperature in health facilities around the world.

"But we need help.

"First – we need vaccine manufacturers to prioritize COVAX, and work to secure regulatory approval for fast, fair and affordable distribution.

"Second – we need wealthier nations to donate extra doses through COVAX.

"UNICEF stands ready to channel all donations fairly and equitably where the needs are greatest.

"And third – we require funding.

"An urgent investment of $US510 million to support vaccine delivery around the world.

"The people at this Summit can help every country get back to normal – faster.

"Because vaccines are not just about COVID-19.

"They’re about hope.

"Hope for children so they can return to school.

"Hope for their communities to re-build all the systems they count on – health and nutrition, water and sanitation.

"And hope for their countries’ economies, who need this pandemic to end.

"The time is now.

"Let’s meet this moment together.

"And let’s make sure that the light at the end of the tunnel truly shines for every country, every community, every family and every child.

"No matter who – or where – they are in the world."