CMA FOUNDATION COMMITS $1 MILLION TO UNICEF CANADA TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO COVID-19 VACCINES IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

TORONTO, 31 May 2022 – UNICEF Canada is pleased to announce a $1 million commitment by the CMA Foundation to support access to COVID-19 vaccines in West and Central Africa.

The funds will turn COVID-19 vaccines into life-saving vaccinations through vaccine delivery, technical expertise, cold chain strengthening and immunization logistics management and health systems strengthening in Mali, Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire. It is estimated that this will provide two doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 180,000 people in the three countries.

“Widespread global vaccination is critical to exiting this pandemic. The CMA Foundation is committed to equity and very pleased to support UNICEF Canada’s COVID-19 international vaccination efforts to protect everyone so we can limit the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants, for the health of all.”

Allison Seymour, president, CMA Foundation

As the global leader in vaccine delivery, UNICEF is responsible for procuring and delivering COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. By working with governments, manufacturers, and partners, UNICEF helps ensure that when countries receive vaccines, they can turn them into vaccinations. UNICEF also provides vital support in helping supply personal protective equipment and COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and therapeutics to those who need it most, thanks to its donors and partners.

“Working together to urgently vaccinate the world is one of the most effective ways to help children, their families and their communities move beyond the pandemic,” said David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. “This generous contribution will help turn vaccines into vaccinations and provide essential support to countries to strengthen fragile health systems.”

As of May 2022, UNICEF has helped supply more than 1.5 billion vaccine doses worldwide.