Vaccinations are crucial
This also means that health systems must be able to implement vaccination programmes. In this, Sweden’s long-term support to strengthen health and medical care systems also plays an important role.
No one is safe until all are safe
“No one is safe until we’re all safe. Not helping ensure that people all over the world can get access to safe and effective vaccines is not an option. This is about solidarity and decency, but also stopping a pandemic that has serious consequences everywhere. I am proud that Sweden can continue to help in the global fight against COVID-19,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation Per Olsson Fridh.
The contribution of SEK 100 million is planned to go to COVAX AMC, led by the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi). The contribution is for COVID-19 vaccines for 92 low and lower-middle income countries. It will be a supplement to an earlier contribution of SEK 100 million given in 2020.
On 3 February, COVAX presented plans to begin delivery of vaccine doses to a total of 145 countries in the first half of 2021. Sweden is part of the EU’s vaccine procurement programme, which right from the start pushed for global vaccine access. Sweden is also a member of COVAX through the EU.