UNICEF works with airlines and freight providers to plan delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine

UNICEF’s historic discussion brought together more than 350 logistics partners, including air transport operators, shipping companies and global logistics associations.

Of Our correspondent

November 24, 2020: Preparing to provide Covid-19 vaccines in more than 92 countries around the world as they become available, UNICEF together with the Pan American Health Organization (OPS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has informed major global authorities the airlines last week on anticipated capacity requirements and discussed ways to transport nearly 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021. This adds to the billion syringes that need to be transported by sea.

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This virtual meeting comes in the wake of the first logistical event virtually held by UNICEF to discuss the transport of Covid-19 vaccines. The historic discussion brought together more than 350 logistics partners, including air transport operators, shipping companies and global logistics associations.

“As work continues to develop Covid-19 vaccines, UNICEF is stepping up efforts with airlines, freight operators, shipping companies and other logistics associations to deliver lifesaving vaccines as quickly and safely as possible. “said Etleva Kadilli, director of UNICEF’s Supply Division. “This valuable collaboration will go a long way to ensure that sufficient transportation capacity is available for this historic and gigantic operation. We need all hands on the deck as we prepare to deliver doses of Covid-19 vaccine, syringes and other personal protective equipment to protect frontline workers around the world. By protecting these workers, we are ultimately protecting the millions of children who depend on their basic services. “

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In the coming weeks, UNICEF will also assess existing transport capacity to identify gaps and future needs. The procurement, delivery and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is expected to be the largest and fastest operation of its kind ever undertaken. UNICEF is leading efforts to procure and supply vaccines from manufacturers who have agreements with the COVAX Facility. In partnership with PAHO, UNICEF will coordinate purchasing and delivery for 92 low- and middle-income economies as quickly and safely as possible.

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Since January, UNICEF has delivered over $ 190 million worth of COVID-19 supplies such as masks, gowns, oxygen concentrators and diagnostic test kits to support countries responding to the pandemic.

As the world’s largest vaccine buyer, UNICEF typically purchases more than 2 billion doses of vaccines per year for routine immunization and outbreak response on behalf of nearly 100 countries. This unrivaled expertise includes coordinating thousands of shipments with various cold chain requirements, making UNICEF an expert in temperature controlled product supply chain management, which is especially needed during this historic venture. To minimize disruption to routine immunization programs due to Covid-19 vaccine and syringe operations, UNICEF and partners will continue to coordinate closely with logistics operators for timely delivery around the world.

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“Support from governments, partners and the private sector will be key to delivering vaccines for deadly diseases like measles, diphtheria and tetanus, as well as Covid-19, as efficiently as possible,” Kadilli said.

Last month, UNICEF began a process to accumulate over 1 billion syringes by 2021 to ensure the initial supply and pre-placement of Covid-19 vaccines.

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