Ghana has received 1.7 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the United States, bringing the total of donated vaccines to more than 4.2 million doses since September.
The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan, observed that the gesture “will help save Ghanaian lives, as we work together to defeat this virus.”
“These doses are the same safe and effective vaccines used in the United States. There is no better time for Ghanaians to protect their families and communities by getting the jab,” she added.
Delivered through COVAX, the donations are part of the United States’ global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September, President Biden committed to donating 1.1 billion doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.
The U.S. has since delivered 252 million doses to over 100 countries, including 71 million doses in Sub-Saharan Africa alone.
“With President Biden’s commitment, the American people are now donating three vaccine doses for every dose that has been administered in the United States,” a statement from the U.S. Embassy
The U.S. has also provided more than $30 million for personal protective equipment and training for medical professionals, medical equipment and testing supplies, vaccine distribution planning and support, economic assistance for impacted communities, three new regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centers in Ghana, as well as educational support for Ghanaian students during the pandemic.
“This whole of government approach has included elements of the Department of State, Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).”
Ambassador Sullivan was joined by Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini, representatives of the Ghana Health Service, among other dignitaries to receive the vaccines at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.
