The vaccines arrived in Manila on February 28 being part of the 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses that the United States is making available for distribution through COVAX, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The U.S. is the largest donor to COVAX, having donated $4 billion to help protect the most vulnerable and at-risk populations in 92 low- and middle-income countries.
U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava joined Philippine government officials and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome this latest vaccine shipment.
With the said delivery, the American people have already provided more than 29.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines.
In a statement, Variava said as the Philippines slowly shifts to the new normal, the US government remaina steadfast in its commitment to ensure that Filipinos continue to have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
"Our partnership will help keep the country’s momentum in ending this pandemic, paving the way for a much healthier, safer tomorrow,” Variava said.
The US government is working closely with Philippine partners to protect public health and support the local response to COVID-19.
In addition to vaccine donations, the U.S. government has also provided more than P1.9 billion COVID-19 assistance to the country to support testing, crucial care, communication campaigns, protection and training of health workers, vaccine deployment, and essential equipment and supplies.
Photo from US Embassy