The EU Ambassador, and European Heads of Missions present in Zambia, witnessed the arrival of the first Covid-19 vaccines through COVAX facility and takes part in a national Covid-19 vaccination campaign, with a symbolic inoculation of high level dignitaries.

On 12.04.21 Zambia received first batch of the Covid-19 vaccinations (228,000 doses) through COVAX, largely co-funded by Team Europe. The EU Ambassador together the EU Head of Missions (Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden) and other partners took part in this remarkable moment in the fight against Covid-19.

In less than 48 hours from arrival, the Government of Zambia launched a national Covid-19 vaccination campaign. The EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, represented Team Europe at this historic event with high level dignitaries from the Ministry of Health, UN, US Embassy, Indian Embassy, Civil Society and private sector.

In his message, he highlighted Team Europe’s solidarity with the Zambian Government and population since the beginning of the pandemic. He reflected in mobilisation of considerable resources to support the response to the pandemic, including vaccines development, purchase and roll-out.

To date, Team Europe has committed US$ 2.96 billion to COVAX Facility that constitutes 47% of the total pledges to COVAX platform. The EU Ambassador also congratulated the Zambian Government its leadership in assuring maximum safety, quality and suitability of the received vaccines and highlighted their further prominent role in effective and transparent administration of the roll-out.

He concluded by stressing the importance of a strong and well-coordinated communications campaign and clear and transparent guidance regarding access to the vaccines, which are critical factors for a successful roll-out of the vaccines.

The event finished with a symbolic inoculation of high-level dignitaries, among others, the Minister of Health.