Japan and UNICEF sign exchange notes to expand COVID-19 vaccination in Egypt

CAIRO - 21 February 2022: UNICEF and the Government of Japan signed and exchanged notes for a new collaboration between UNICEF and the Embassy of Japan titled ‘Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination in Egypt’ at the premises of the Ministry of International Cooperation. This collaboration aims to support the COVID-19 vaccination in Egypt and to establish effective cold chain systems for vaccines storage.

The notes were signed by H.E. Mr. Oka Hiroshi, Ambassador Designate of Japan, and Dr. Fazlul Haque, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Egypt, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Health Minister and Population.

The project ‘Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination in Egypt’ will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) throughout Egypt. The $3.4 million grant provided by the Government of Japan will support increasing the number of vaccination centers and ensuring effective vaccination, while reinforcing regular immunization programmes in the country.

This project is building on a previous contribution from Japan when 700,260 doses of the Japanese-made AstraZeneca vaccine were provided to Egypt via the COVAX facility in December 2021. In addition, Japan has supported in facilitating “the last one mile” in the safe and steady delivery of vaccines to Egyptian people by the improvement of cold chain for vaccines to tackle “human security” crisis, posing threats to individuals’ survival, livelihood and dignity caused by the current pandemic.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, acting Health Minister pointed out on the importance of this tripartite agreement between Egypt, Japan and UNICEF; in strengthening the state’s plan to combat the pandemic, by establishing effective cold chains in 500 vaccination sites, securing vaccines storage and transportation, and training medical teams, in addition to urging citizens to be vaccinated against the Corona virus through social media platforms.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar thanked the Ministry of International Cooperation for its continuous cooperation in the framework of supporting the ministry’s efforts to combat COVID-19, as well as cooperation with the Japanese side and UNICEF in many aspects that support enhancing health care.

From her side, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, said: “Multilateralism is now needed more than ever to set and implement global standards and frameworks across all stakeholders. Egypt’s active engagement with development partners has contributed to national efforts to mitigate the repercussions of the pandemic. Our collaboration with Japan and UNICEF is a case in point. Enhancing the vaccination distribution process reflects international cooperation that directly impacts human lives.”

Fazlul Haque, acting UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said: “UNICEF would like to express its gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continuous support to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the procurement of vaccination equipment, the upgrade of cold chain systems, training frontline health workers, and encouraging public demand for vaccination. We are committed to implement the intervention’s plans and to ensure that vaccines reach those who should be vaccinated.”

‘Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination in Egypt’ project aims at establishing effective cold chain systems at 500 vaccination sites and ensuring vaccine security during storage and transportation. It also aims at training the medical team to safely administer COVID-19 vaccines. It will also highlight the importance of vaccination and encourage the use of preventive measures through social media platforms as well as strengthening the monitoring and reporting systems. 

UNICEF is a key partner to the Ministry of Health and Population in the medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the disease, UNICEF provided Personal Protective Equipment to over 110,000 frontline health workers and a significant number of disinfectants, soap, ventilators, and other life-saving equipment to COVID patients in public hospitals. UNICEF has also reached more than 65 million people with COVID-related messages.