Response to UK Government's Covid-19 vaccine commitment

Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy, the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) says:

“The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) welcomes the UK Government’s pledge to donate 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, including 5 million in the coming months. Donating vaccines to the world right now is what’s needed to put an end to this pandemic.

“However, the volume and speed of vaccine donations needs to accelerate to ensure they get to the countries that need them most. Currently, COVAX has a shortfall of 190 million vaccines so urgent action is essential to overcome the acute supply shortages and address the immediate need to save lives and protect us all from future variants. G7 governments including the UK can do this and still be on track to meet their own national vaccination targets.

“G7 leaders have an opportunity to build on the UK pledge and deliver a comprehensive plan to end this pandemic. UNICEF will continue to work with COVAX partners to deliver these vaccines to protect health workers and high-risk populations in low and middle-income countries. The UK Government must continue to lead the G7 to deliver ambition and early action that provides a clear pathway out of the global pandemic.”

For more information or for spokespeople interviews at the G7, please contact:

Yemi Lufadeju, UNICEF UK, [email protected] / 020 7375 6199
UNICEF UK press office: [email protected] / 020 7375 6030