Japan to Aid $41M for 25 Countries, Incl. Vietnam, to Build Vaccine Cold Storages

Japan will provide an emergency aid of $41 million for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-hit 25 countries, including Vietnam, to build COVID-19 vaccine cold storage rooms, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 9 announced. The grant will also be used for transportation equipment, aiming to ensure equitable and large vaccine distribution via the collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Japanese agency added. All ten countries in the Southeast Asian region, including East Timor but excluding Singapore, will get the grant. With an aim to become the global vaccine transit center, Singapore has prepared for its vaccine cold storage and transportation system since the fourth quarter of last year. Japan has pledged to aid $200 million for the COVAX Facility, an international mechanism to ensure and accelerate equitable access to vaccines regardless of a country’s income level. (TuoiTre)