BOBONARO, 30 march 2022 (TATOLI) – The United States is supporting the launch of the Pfizer vaccination rollout campaign for children ages 12-17 in Bobonaro – A western municipality of Timor-Leste, located near the Indonesian border, through $320,000 in funding to Timorese NGO Hamutuk Nasaun Saudável (HAMNASA).
With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), HAMNASA will help to accelerate the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in the Timorese municipalities with the lowest vaccination rates: Bobonaro, Ermera, Ainaro, and Liquiça. U.S. support for the vaccination rollout builds on the recent U.S. contribution of over 200,000 Pfizer vaccines through COVAX to protect Timor-Leste from COVID-19.
“Today, we are able to take another major step forward through the rollout of vaccines for children 12 and above in Bobonaro,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley in an official statement released today.
“Timor-Leste can continue to count on the support of the United States every step of the way as we get through this global pandemic. Together and with our partners, we will end the pandemic, jumpstart economic recovery, and build a safer and more prosperous future for all of our citizens,” he stated.
On the other hand, the Minister of health (MoH) through its Director general, Marcelo Amaral has acknowledged U.S and particularly USAID to keep up the partnership and support in accelerating COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
“USAID and its Health System Sustainability Activity has already engaged with us on both strengthening the health system and COVID-19 response. The Ministry acknowledges the support of USAID Health System Sustainability Activity through HAMNASA in reaching areas with low COVID-19 vaccination coverage and conducting community activities to achieve its vaccination target and make the country COVID-19 safe.”
The United States is taking a comprehensive approach to ending the pandemic worldwide, helping to mitigate COVID-19’s harm to people and societies, and strengthening global recovery. Since the pandemic began, the United States has worked side-by-side with Timor-Leste to contribute over 200,000 safe and effective Pfizer vaccines and over $5.9 million in critical assistance to fight COVID-19.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafy Belo
