Urgent plea to unite developing nations through vaccinations

This week the Immunisation Coalition is issuing an urgent plea to Australians to help close the global COVID-19 vaccination gap by donating to UNICEF Australia in a bid to improve access in lower income countries.

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastatingly led to the death of approximately 3.9 million people globally. Many of those living in high income countries can now access free COVID-19 vaccinations, with many lower income countries yet to receive a single dose.

According to Chair and Director of the Immunisation Coalition Scientific Advisory Committee, Professor Robert Booy, the vaccination disparity represents a significant global issue.

“High-income countries have reserved more than half of the worlds COVID-19 vaccine doses, despite representing only 14 percent of the world’s population.

“This compares to less than five per cent vaccine uptake in low-income countries, which represents approximately two-thirds of the world’s population,” said Prof Booy.

“Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.”

Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, Director at Immunisation Coalition said: “The G7 has just promised vaccine supply for 500 million people, yet 5 billion doses are needed to ensure the virus is controlled globally.”

“A global pandemic requires a global response. We need to ensure all countries have COVID-19 vaccine access. No-one is safe until everyone is,” said Prof Paul Griffin, Director at Immunisation Coalition.

The Immunisation Coalition and UNICEF Australia are urging Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 to give back by paying it forward.

“Every ten dollars donated will provide one person with a COVID-19 vaccination in a low-income country. Giving $100 could protect 10 people,” said Libby Hodgson, UNICEF Australia’s Director of Fundraising and Communications.

Prof Gary Grohman, Director at Immunisation Coalition said: “Every dollar donated goes direct to UNICEF and with end of financial year just around the corner, donations are tax-deductable.”

Dr Ginni Mansberg added: “We are calling on Australians to help make a difference in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Donate this week to maximise the tax impact before June 30, 2021. Head to UNICEF Australia https://fundraise.unicef.org.au/t/immunisationcoalition to make a donation today!