UNICEF TO PROVIDE INDIA WITH 160 MILLION SYRINGES FOR COVID VACCINATIONS

As India ramps up Covid-19 vaccinations, UNICEF India has signed a USD 15 million agreement with Crypto Relief to procure an estimated 160 million syringes to support the Government of India’s national vaccination drive.  Under the agreement, UNICEF India will procure Re-Use Prevention (RUP) syringes from syringe manufacturers across the world through a global tendering process. The syringes are expected to be delivered between September 2021 and January 2022.

“India’s Covid-19 vaccination drive is one of the largest in the world aiming to vaccinate over 994 million people above the age of 18 years. In this massive endeavour, as many syringes as vaccines are required to keep up the fight to contain the pandemic,” said Dr Yasmin Haque, UNICEF India Representative. “We are bringing UNICEF’s expertise in procuring and delivering syringes to support India to fast-track vaccinations. Containing the pandemic will also help prevent the disruptions children are facing along with ensuring safety and protection concerns.” “Our aim is to help India fight the pandemic and strengthen its public health infrastructure. This partnership has given us an opportunity to help the Government of India meet the need for 160 million syringes and aid in its vaccination drive,” said Sandeep Nailwal, Founder of Crypto Relief. “We are dedicated to addressing gaps in the Indian public health infrastructure by catalysing capital towards areas like scientific research, vaccine awareness, district health systems approach, augmentation of health centres, training and capacity building of healthcare workers.”