14 July 2021
PRESS RELEASE
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan MOTEGI Toshimitsu, announced on 13 July 2021 that the Government of Japan would provide a total of approximately 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines including approximately 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to Samoa. They will be shipped between mid-July and mid-August 2021 through the COVAX Facility.
This initiative is a one of Japan’s contribution for the Pacific Island Countries under “Pacific Kizuna (Bond) Policy” pledged at the 9th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM9) held online on 2 July 2021. Japan supports the Pacific Island Countries’ efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic by providing technical training, necessary medical equipment and support for effective delivery, management, and vaccination.
In addition to the initiative, Japan’s assistance for Samoa to combat COVID-19 covers medical equipment including container-based negative pressure units, ventilators and ultra-low temperature freezers. Japan is also providing funding to support national vaccine roll-outs and working closely with the UNICEF and the WHO as well as the COVAX Facility.
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