U.S. Embassy Monrovia announces the donation by the United States Government of 302,400 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as part of the Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The donated vaccines are part of the U.S. pledge to initially provide at least 25 million of 80 million doses globally with Africa. The U.S. Government coordinated closely with the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on the country allocations. The vaccine doses arrived via COVAX last night.
The vaccines will help protect the Liberian people from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus and reduce barriers to building back the Liberian economy. “We are proud to continue working together with the Liberian Government, the private sector, and civil society to do everything we can to mitigate the pandemic’s high toll on life, livelihoods, and social impacts,” remarked Ambassador Michael McCarthy. “To everyone who has not been vaccinated, I strongly encourage you to do so—as I did—as soon as you have the opportunity.”
These 302,400 doses are part of the Biden-Harris Administration commitment to share U.S. vaccine supply with the world. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world.
As President Biden said,
“From the beginning of my presidency, we have been clear-eyed that we need to attack this virus globally as well. This is about our responsibility — our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can — and our responsibility to our values. We’re going to help lead the world out of this pandemic, working alongside our global partners.”
Ambassador McCarthy’s full remarks at the arrival of the donation:
Good evening everyone,
I can think of no more appropriate way to spend Liberian Independence Day weekend than standing here this evening next to my sister, Minister Wilhelmina Jallah, and this large pallet of COVID-19 vaccines. The past two years have brought historic challenges, and we have worked shoulder to shoulder through the pandemic to share information and fight the virus. As demonstrated recently here in Liberia, we have seen stark reminders that the pandemic is unfortunately not over yet. But these vaccines are a pathway to ending it.
This shipment of over 300,000 vaccine doses, donated by the people of the United States, are part of the Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. We have pledged to initially donate 80 million vaccines globally, with 25 million designated for Africa.
The successful arrival of these 302,400 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was the result of a worldwide group effort. Let me first express my appreciation to the COVAX, GAVI, and UNICEF teams for the immense help with arranging the logistics of getting the vaccines to Liberia.
We should also thank the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, for their ongoing coordination of the many U.S.-donated vaccines that are being shared across Africa.
But coming back home, I must tell you something. The third wave has hit across the continent, ravaging many countries that, like Liberia, had run out of vaccines. The decision to send this shipment to Liberia now is expressly due to the impressive structure implemented by the Ministry of Health and NPHIL to distribute the first tranche of vaccines, and the effective campaign they have in place to distribute any new vaccines. Looking at the record, decision-makers knew that these vaccines would get to the public in Liberia quickly and efficiently.
Finally, I want to recognize the immense contributions of our fellow diplomatic missions here in Liberia. COVID-19 does not stop at any border. To end this pandemic, we must all work together and do our part.
Our donation equips Liberians to help Liberians and will help protect the country from the COVID-19 virus so you can build back the Liberian economy.
We mourn with those who lost loved ones, friends, and colleagues. We are proud to continue working together with the Liberian Government, the private sector, and civil society to do everything we can to mitigate the pandemic’s high toll on life and livelihoods, and its social impacts.
To all those who wanted to get vaccinated but couldn’t find one, here’s your chance. To everyone else who has not been vaccinated, I strongly encourage you to do so—as I did—as soon as you have the opportunity.
Stay healthy. And happy 174th Independence Day!
