Kingston – The United States is providing Jamaica with more than US$5 million in urgent coronavirus (COVID-19) assistance.
According to an official statement issued here, the funds are being made available through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will support Kingston’s urgent needs and fill gaps in order to accelerate widespread, equitable access to and the delivery and up-take of safe effective COVID-19 vaccines.
It said that the funds will also help in reducing morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 through critical public health and clinical interventions.
“The US$5.2 million in funding will advance vaccination and strengthen health systems to diagnose, manage and mitigate COVID-19 transmission.
“Importantly, this funding will help Jamaica deliver safe and effective vaccines by filling critical gaps to support Jamaica’s achievement of a 65 per cent vaccination rate by March 2022,” said US Chargé d’ Affaires, John McIntyre.
The statement said that “this additional assistance from the historic American Rescue Plan builds on the more than US$10 million in COVID-19 assistance the US government has donated to the government and people of Jamaica since the pandemic first broke out”.
In the last year, through a multi-agency approach, Washington’s support includes the donation of 208 260 Pfizer vaccine doses, a field hospital and medical supplies supporting the island’s health, education, and security sectors.
“This assistance comes at a critical time to accelerate the COVID-19 fight and respond to crises exacerbated by the pandemic. USAID not only stands ready but will continue to support the government and people of Jamaica to help bolster the health systems against future threats,” said Jason Fraser, USAID/Jamaica Country Representative. (CMC)
