Sri Lanka is among the Asian countries the United States of America has allocated approximately seven million vaccine doses as per the strategy for global vaccine sharing unveiled by the Biden-Harris administration yesterday.
The seven million doses are to be distributed to Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands.
In addition to this, six million vaccines have been allocated for distribution in South and Central America and five million vaccines have been allocated to Africa. A further six million vaccines are targeted toward regional priorities and partner recipients, including Mexico, Canada, and the Republic of Korea, West Bank and Gaza, Ukraine, Kosovo, Haiti, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, India, Iraq, and Yemen, as well as for United Nations frontline workers.
According to a statement issued by the White House, at least 80 million US vaccine doses will be shared globally by the end of June, 75% of which will be shared through COVAX, prioritising Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa, in coordination with the African Union.
The remaining 25% will be shared for immediate needs and to help with surges around the world.
(FT)