The Irish government has donated a consignment of 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria through the COVAX facility, Ireland’s Minister of Health said on Monday.
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, said this was the country’s second vaccine donation following the first batch donated to Uganda in September.
“Following Ireland’s recent direct donation of over 300,000 vaccines to Uganda, I welcome the first deliveries of vaccine doses donated through the COVAX process,” Minister Donelly said.
“This significant donation of 500,000 vaccines to Nigeria represents Ireland’s continued commitment to universal access to COVID-19 vaccines and their fair and equitable distribution as we work together to bring this global pandemic under control.”
In addition, Ireland’s Minister for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, said:
“Ireland has a longstanding relationship with Nigeria and we are happy to support their efforts to keep their people safe. We have committed to sharing 1.3 million vaccine doses with other countries through COVAX as we play our part in the global response to this pandemic.”
The donation consists of 500,000 Janssen vaccines. Since the Janssen vaccines only require a single dose, it is hoped to help accelerate the national vaccine rollout in Nigeria, where the vaccination rate is below 2 per cent.
