The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are already being put to use and various these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has stated. The Indian Government had provided us 200,000 doses and various peacekeepers are already, so far as I do know, being vaccinated, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, informed reporters on the day by day press briefing Friday in response to a query on vaccination of UN peacekeepers. ”So, on the Indian vaccines, these, which I feel have been AstraZeneca, these have been 200,000. They’re already being put to use, he stated.
India, one of many largest troop-contributing nations to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers throughout all UN missions. As of March 31 this 12 months, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the globe.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had introduced in February that India will present vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers. Keeping in thoughts the UN Peacekeepers who function in such troublesome circumstances, we wish to announce at this time a present of 200,000 doses for them, Jaishankar had stated whereas addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of decision 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had stated Do your work with the welfare of others at all times in thoughts. The 200,000 doses basically meant that it could be potential to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers throughout missions.
The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai through Qatar Airways on March 27. The cargo went to Copenhagen, the place it was safely saved in a facility, re-packaged and shortly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.
On a query on the provide of vaccines to the UN from China, Dujarric stated we proceed to be in contact with the Chinese authorities, as we’re with the Russian authorities. Some of that had to do with which vaccines have been already permitted by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a result of we don’t use vaccines that aren’t permitted by the WHO. He stated the Secretary-General has straight expressed his gratitude in direction of Russia when he was in Moscow lately and has additionally thanked the Chinese for their provide.
I imply, we’re very lucky that now we have member states who’re keen and ready to give vaccines to UN workers working within the entrance traces to make sure that we proceed to do our work, Dujarric stated He added that it was additionally necessary to be aware that even earlier than the vaccines have been obtainable to a few of our colleagues within the subject, that they had been persevering with to do their work” Dujarric welcomed the announcement made by the Biden administration that will probably be sharing hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses with each the COVAX facility, in addition to bilaterally with nations specifically want. COVAX is a worldwide initiative geared toward equitable entry to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization.
”But I additionally need to add that the Secretary-General is extraordinarily grateful to the United States Government for the inclusion of United Nations personnel and Member States delegates serving within the United States in its nationwide vaccination programme, and for the beneficiant provide to present vaccines for United Nations front-line personnel serving in essentially the most difficult and harmful places around the globe. ”This donation will enable the UN workers to keep and ship important companies to weak individuals around the globe in a secure and efficient method,” he stated.
He added that Secretary-General renews his name to the worldwide group to come collectively to tackle the unprecedented problem of this pandemic, and for nations to share vaccines, notably with these which are struggling to deal with new surges and variants. ”There is an pressing want for elevated international solidarity to make sure that vaccines can be found to everybody, in all places. Equitable entry to vaccines is a prerequisite for [ending] the pandemic and kick-starting a powerful restoration.” On a query on the Biden administration’s announcement to give vaccines to front-line UN workers, he stated the UN is in contact with the US Mission to work out these particulars, together with the numbers.
My understanding is that this can be a Johnson & Johnson one-and-done, as they are saying. But we’re attempting to get a bit extra particulars, however we’re very grateful for this provide.
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