United States of America Government donates 2 million doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to Uzbekistan through COVAX Facility

TASHKENT, 14 March 2022 – In continued support of the protracted fight against COVID 19, the United States of America Government has donated yet another consignment of 2 million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to Uzbekistan delivered by UNICEF through the COVAX Facility, today.

"The vaccines are timely support to combat COVID-19. Vaccination is our only way to get out of the pandemic along with adhering to all precaution measures as wearing masks, social distancing and handwashing", said Bakhodir Yusupaliev, head of the Service of Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of Uzbekistan.

The donation from the US is the fifth shipment under the vaccine donation and dose sharing facility has been instrumental in mitigating the current supply gap to low and middle-income countries and importantly to protect against new surges.  

“It is now clear that only vaccination can save lives as COVID 19 mutates and changes in new variants. Consequently, doses donated today are critical, timely and a life-saving donation for the people of Uzbekistan, as the country, like the whole world, grapples with wave after wave of COVID-19,” said Geoffrey Ijumba, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Uzbekistan. “The USA’s consistent support with vaccines as part of the COVAX dose-sharing mechanism is a huge demonstration of continued solidarity.

The United States of America is now the biggest COVAX donor, ensuring equitable distribution of COVID 19 Vaccines. In Uzbekistan, this donation will be geared at reaching the priority groups and inoculating 20% of the population as per COVAX targets.

“Minimizing COVID-19 risks is a choice. Two years into the pandemic, necessary tools are available to drive down the transmission of SARS-CoV2 and its variants. We must continue to adhere to public health and social measures by wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands, avoiding crowds, and ventilating indoor spaces by opening windows and/or doors. Also, getting vaccinated with the complete series of available doses, including a booster dose, is the most important thing people can do to be protected from severe disease and death from COVID-19," highlighted Dr. Lianne Kuppens, the WHO Representative and Head of the Country Office in Uzbekistan.

For media queries please contact: 

Umidjon Khudaykulov

Immunization Officer

Phone: +998 93 5509775

E-mail: ukhudaykulov@unicef.org

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Nargiza Egamberdieva

Communication Officer

Phone: +998 93 380 34 19

E-mail: negamberdieva@unicef.org