Canadians know that vaccinating the world against COVID-19 is the best way to end the pandemic, and since the early days of this disease, the Government of Canada has stepped up to help. That’s why it announced that it would match donations made by individuals to help ensure that life-saving COVID-19 vaccines reach people in developing countries in humanitarian and conflict situations.

“Canadians have shown time and again how generous they can be in times of need. With gratitude for our good fortune, we can reach out, give back and help others get their vaccine too.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“Thanks to the exceptional generosity of Canadians, we are able to deliver millions of life-saving vaccines to front-line health workers and vulnerable populations in lower-income countries around the globe. Working together to urgently vaccinate the world is one of the most effective ways to help children, their families and their communities move beyond the pandemic.”

- David Morley, President and CEO, UNICEF Canada

• Today’s announcement builds on Canada’s global efforts to fight COVID-19 around the world. Since the start of this crisis, the Government of Canada has committed more than $2.5 billion to support the global response to COVID-19.

• Currently, the COVAX Facility has an active portfolio, with advance purchase agreements for 9 vaccine candidates, and is on track to deliver over 1.8 billion doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine worldwide by the end of the year. 

• Canada has made significant investments in the ACT-Accelerator to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics are affordable and distributed globally to increase equitable access. Since February 2020, Canada has committed over $1.3 billion to the ACT-Accelerator, with $545 million specifically allocated to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment for the global procurement of vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.

• Canada has committed to share over 50 million life-saving vaccine doses with those who need them most through the COVAX Facility. Over 4.17 million doses have been delivered so far to Angola, Argentina, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kenya, Niger and Nigeria. 

• Between August 4 and September 2, 2021, Canada donated more than 762,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses through bilateral agreements with Barbados, Ecuador, Jamaica, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. These doses were in Canada and were surplus to domestic needs. COVAX remains the primary vehicle for surplus dose donations from Canada. 

Associated links

• COVAX
• UNICEF Canada
• Canada’s international vaccine donations
• Canada’s aid and development assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Global Health and Economy: Prime Minister concludes productive first day of G20 Leaders’ Summit in Italy
• Canada announces new contribution to global vaccination efforts
• Canada announces new vaccine contributions for regional partners
• Canada announces new contribution to global vaccination efforts and launch of matching fund with UNICEF Canada
• Prime Minister concludes productive G7 Leaders’ Summit in United Kingdom
• Prime Minister announces additional support for equitable access to new COVID-19 medical solutions
• Prime Minister concludes productive G7 Leaders’ meeting
• Canada announces additional support for equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines
• New agreements to secure additional vaccine candidates for COVID-19
• Canada announces support for equitable access to new COVID-19 medical solutions

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