Through funding from the European Union (EU), the Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), in partnership with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), have secured down payments to purchase over 1 million doses of the expected COVID-19 vaccine(s) for Caribbean Member States. WHO/PAHO will receive the funds from CARPHA for transfer to Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) for the required down payments. When the vaccines are available, Member States will purchase them through the WHO/PAHO Revolving Fund.
Global equitable access to a vaccine through the COVAX facility, will allow the countries, in the first phase, to receive a number of doses that is equivalent to 20% of their population. This volume will allow them to protect health care workers, frontline workers, and those most-at-risk such as people with 65 years and more and adults with underlying conditions. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 20 CARICOM countries there have been over 40,000 reported cases and 864 deaths (as of 14 October).
The EU, which has an €8M grant with CARPHA for health systems strengthening for communicable diseases, has committed to mobilizing resources for the Coronavirus Global Response. The COVAX Facility is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the WHO. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.