Remarks by United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio Arrival of Second COVID-19 vaccines in Zambia: 5 July 2021

This comes at a difficult time for Zambia with the experience of an intense third wave.

We have seen many people, families and communities who have lost loved ones during this third wave over the past few weeks, and our deepest condolences go out to all those affected at this time. We can only end this pandemic by working together to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidance in following the five golden rules and participating in the nationwide vaccination campaign that has already been launched. And today’s delivery of vaccines will give the vaccination campaign an important boost.

The United Nations – notably the World Health Organization and UNICEF – have been working with Gavi and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations under the COVAX Facility - to ensure equitable and fair access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries as we seek to end this pandemic.

As part of global advocacy efforts, there has been an important call for the world’s richest nations to donate vaccines to others. The Republic of France was among the first countries to pledge to this, and their generous support is what has made today’s delivery of 228,000 vaccines possible. We thank the Government and the people of France and look forward to the realisation of similar pledges from other countries. Merci beaucoup pour votre générosité.

As I have said before, this delivery really comes at the most important time for Zambia as the country seeks to continue the momentum of the vaccination campaign. And we hope to see even more Zambian citizens benefit from these additional vaccines - vaccines that are safe, effective, and protect us from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the United Nations, we pledge our continued support to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and particularly the Ministry of Health, to ensure a successful roll-out of these safe and life-saving vaccines.

I thank you.