U.S. Embassy Donates to COVID-19 Vaccine Public Awareness

The United States, U.S.Embassy in Kingston, through the United States Agency for International Development, (USAID) announced an additional J$45 million to support Jamaica’s uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and reduce transmission among vulnerable populations.

The Embassy noted that these funds will assist the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) with urgent needs and fill gaps to support COVID-19 vaccine readiness and improve the vaccine uptake within vulnerable populations. The initiative will include a series of public awareness campaigns to limit misinformation and disinformation around vaccine hesitancy.

The U.S.Embassy has provided more than J$1.8 billion in COVID-19 related assistance to Jamaica, and of this J$1.8 billion, the USAID has provided nearly J$1.1 billion to assist Jamaica’s COVID-19 response. The Embassy says this included assisting JASL with the provision of 1,500 care packages of masks and sanitizers to the vulnerable across all parishes, among other things.

U.S.Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, John McIntyre emphasised that the COVID-19 virus is a global challenge that requires a global response. He noted that the Embassy response is comprehensive, and said he is proud of the ongoing work and assistance USAID is providing in Jamaica.

USAID/Jamaica, Country Representative, Jason Fraser says the organization is providing a robust variety of assistance options to support Jamaica’s COVID-19 response. Fraser noted that they are working closely with the people and the Government of Jamaica, so the assistance offered is tailored to the needs of the country.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of JASL, Kandasi Levermore shared her gratitude for the continued support from the USAID in providing their clients with holistic care during these difficult times. She noted that with the availability of the vaccine, now is the time to increased efforts by ramping up communication strategies and community interventions and promote optimum health, and restoring a sense of normalcy to Jamaica.