A United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delegation of senior officials is in Zambia to view firsthand, the impact of the U.S government-supported Covid-19 vaccination initiatives.
The visit is in line with the relaunch of Zambia’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign, which aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population.
USAID Public Affairs Officer, Phil Dimon, said in a statement issued to ZANIS that the delegation wanted to better understand the successes and challenges of achieving Zambia’s vaccination objectives.
Mr. Dimon explained that the delegation, led by USAID Executive Director Jeremy Konyndyk, had a chance to learn about the multi-sectoral approach taken by the Ministry of Health in achieving its target of ensuring that all eligible Zambians receive their vaccination.
He disclosed that the visit followed some recent announcement that Zambia is one of 11 countries to receive surge Covid-19 funding through the United States Initiative for Global Vaccine Access (Global VAX).
Mr. Dimon added that as part of Global VAX, USAID is also programming an additional US$28 million in funding for Zambia.
The funding will support planning and coordination, community engagement, laboratory support and more.
“The U.S. government, through Global VAX, will support the Zambian Ministry of Health’s existing vaccination plans at provincial and district levels to bring Covid-19 vaccines to people quickly and equitably, prioritising those who are most vulnerable,” Mr. Dimon stated.
He added that the delegation also toured the Centre for Infectious Disease Research Zambia (CIDRZ) to see Zambia’s Covid-19 response efforts.
Mr. Dimon also revealed that while in Zambia, the delegation travelled with President Hakainde Hichilema’s Covid-19 Advisor, Roma Chilengi, to Ndola to meet with key leaders and community members, to see community vaccination efforts.