US gives extra K2.9bn for Covid-19 vaccine rollout

The United States(US) Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USaid) has announced a K2.9 billion ($3.5 million) investment to deploy Covid-19 vaccines in 16 districts nationwide and strengthen the ongoing Covid-19 response.

The new assistance brings the US Government’s overall Covid-19 assistance to K20.5 billion. The support has been advancing Malawi’s National Covid-19 Strategy to provide care for its citizens since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

In a statement issued on Monday, USaid Malawi mission director Catie Lott said: “As the Covid-19 pandemic continues in Malawi and the world, USaid is committed to supporting the Government of Malawi’s efforts to provide essential health services, roll out the Covid-19 vaccine, and bring Covid-19 under control.”

The statement further states that with the new donation, USAid is supporting local health care workers to deliver vaccines to citizens.

“USaid is also partnering with the Ministry of Health, district health officials, and traditional leaders to educate citizens on the facts about the Covid-19 vaccine. Additionally, USaid will reinforce the necessary systems to receive, store and distribute the Covid-19 vaccine and related supplies,” reads the statement. Last month, USaid donated over 200 000 items of personal protective equipment and Covid-19 testing materials to support Malawi’s Covid-19 response. The US Government support has also included technical and material support to boost the country’s capacity for testing, sanitation, and life-saving clinical care.