U.S. Ambassador Jeff Daigle’s Remarks
Pfizer Donation
Praia, December 7, 2021
I am extremely happy to be representing the American people at today’s ceremony to receive the first tranche of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that the United States government is donating to Cabo Verde. Two more tranches of Pfizer vaccine are scheduled to arrive on December 10 and December 12, respectively, for a cumulative total of more than 200,000 doses of this lifesaving vaccine, which is an important part of the United States’ global effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations are a follow-on to the U.S. donation of 100,000 doses of Moderna vaccine to Cabo Verde in October.
I am especially pleased to see the arrival of Pfizer vaccine in Cabo Verde, which can be used to vaccinate younger people. Cabo Verde’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign has been a model for the world, with more than 60 percent of the adult population now fully vaccinated, and being able to vaccinate the youth will significantly boost the overall rate.
Back in June, President Biden announced the U.S. government’s commitment to procure and donate 500 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses, later increased to 1 billion doses, to up to 100 countries most in need. Today’s donation, along with the other tranches scheduled to arrive later this week, were coordinated closely with the African Union, Africa CDC, and COVAX.
The United States is proud to be a strong and reliable partner for Cabo Verde in its efforts to defeat COVID-19. Our donations of vaccine and other assistance programs – including $700,000 in funding through UNICEF to support Cabo Verde’s vaccination campaign and a $1.5 million program to help Cabo Verde businesses recover from the economic ravages of the pandemic – reinforce the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
The United States is committed to leading the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerating global vaccine distribution as the world’s largest single donor to COVAX. Safe and effective vaccines are our best tool for fighting COVID-19, but for this effort to be successful, everyone must do their part. Therefore, I urge anyone who is not yet vaccinated to consider getting their shots as soon as possible. Together we can save lives and bring an end to the pandemic.
Thank you.
