THE US Government has donated 57,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Guyana as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donated doses of vaccine arrived via COVAX in Georgetown on August 13, and it brings the total number of vaccines donated to Guyana through the COVAX distribution to 165,600.
This donation, the US Embassy, in a release said, will help protect Guyanese from the ravages of the COVID-19 and assist the Health Ministry in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. “We are pleased that Guyana is one of the countries to receive vaccines under the plan announced by President Biden this month to donate 80 million doses of vaccine around the world,” said US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

These 1.5 million doses are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to share US vaccine supply with the world, the US Embassy release said, adding: “As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world.” “From the beginning of my presidency, we have been clear-eyed that we need to attack this virus globally as well.? This is about our responsibility — our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can — and our responsibility to our values. We’re going to help lead the world out of this pandemic, working alongside our global partners,” President Biden had said. Meanwhile, the High Commission of Canada has joined fellow members of the diplomatic community to welcome a third batch of AstraZeneca vaccines to Guyana, which was acquired through the COVAX facility.

According to a release, Canada has committed over CAD $325 million to COVAX and is proud to be among the first donors to announce a major contribution. Through COVAX, Canada is supporting access to safe, effective and high quality vaccines for all participating countries, including Guyana, to help slow the global pandemic. “We know that no one is safe until everyone is safe,” said Canada. In addition to support through the COVAX facility, Canada has also been working with Guyana directly to help reduce infections and help the most vulnerable. In Guyana, through PAHO, Canada has procured PPEs to the value of US$76,818; provided 1,058 testing kits to the National Public Health Reference Laboratory; provided equipment including a laptop, a projector, a printer and a camera to the Health Emergency Operations Centre; provided IEC material for the Health Emergency Operations Centre (5000); supported training to strengthen the diagnostic and testing and sample taking and; supported mental health psychosocial support campaigns, risk communication and essential cleaning and sanitation supplies. “Canada will continue to be a partner in Guyana’s fight against the pandemic!” the release concluded.