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GENEVA, May 1, 2020 – “UNICEF is asking for support to unblock a massive backlog of vaccine shipments due to unprecedented logistical restrictions related to COVID-19 mitigation measures, including blockades in some countries.
“In 2019, UNICEF purchased 2.43 billion doses of vaccines for 100 countries, to reach approximately 45 percent of all children under the age of five.
“Since the week of March 22, UNICEF has seen a 70 to 80 percent reduction in planned vaccine shipments due to the dramatic decline in commercial flights and the limited availability of charter flights.
“As of today, dozens of countries are at risk of being depleted due to delays in vaccine shipments. At higher risk are 26 countries that are difficult to reach due to limited trade and cargo options. Among these, at least five countries experienced measles outbreaks in 2019 and many more remain at risk.
“Adding to the challenge is the exorbitant cost of insuring flights, with freight rates 100 to 200 percent above normal and even more expensive charter flights.
“Countries with limited resources will have a hard time paying these higher prices, leaving children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, measles, polio, and other vaccines were out of reach for 20 million children under the age of one each year.
“Interruptions in routine immunization, particularly in countries with weak health systems, could lead to disastrous outbreaks in 2020 and beyond.
“A substantial proportion of the vaccines that do not reach the countries as planned are for routine immunization programs. Due to delays, countries have been using buffer stocks, which generally consist of a three-month supply for unplanned and urgent needs, including response to sudden outbreaks. As transportation challenges persist, countries are at increased risk of vaccine dumping.
“Prolonged shipping delays also pose a great risk to manufacturers, who must store excess vaccine stocks, and may be required to postpone future production if their warehouse storage space is exceeded.
“UNICEF is working to find solutions with manufacturers and partners, including the WHO, GAVI, the vaccine alliance, PAHO, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Some manufacturers have offered support with their cargo transportation services, and GAVI has provided additional funds to support charter flights. And we continue to work with governments to monitor their stock levels, prioritize the most critical vaccine shipments to avoid shortages, and respond to the needs of their immunization programs.
However, the logistics situation remains severely limited. And many countries require additional financial support.
“UNICEF calls on governments, the private sector, the airline industry and others to free up cargo space at an affordable cost for these life-saving vaccines. And work with us to find ways to avoid the disruptions to transportation we face. Children’s lives are at stake. “
