Minister Brophy announces €5 million Irish Aid support for COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries

Colm Brophy, T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, today announced an additional €5 million in Irish Aid funding for the global health response to COVID-19, to enable developing countries access vaccines.  Most of this funding will go to the COVAX facility, a global UN-led mechanism for pooling procurement and fair distribution of the vaccines.

Making the announcement, Minister Brophy said:

“In Ireland, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out to the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. However, as we deliver on protecting our people at home, I am conscious that if we are to be safe we need to help others to be safe too – COVID-19 cannot be defeated one country at a time.

We need to support those countries who are behind us in accessing vaccines to do so.  That’s why I’m delighted to allocate €5 million to the UN COVAX system and the WHO, part of at least €50 million in Irish Aid support to global public health this year.  This will support developing countries that need vaccines and can least afford them to secure their share of global supply.

The Government, through Irish Aid, continues to support our partner countries in fighting the pandemic, by ensuring they have other necessary equipment and drugs, trained personnel, and strong logistics for vaccine rollout. This is a strong demonstration of our solidarity with others during this most challenging time.”