COVID-19: access to vaccines

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

First of all, the Delegation of the Dominican Republic would like to thank the Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago for taking the initiative of presenting this important resolution, through which our Organization, in solidarity and with firmness, calls upon the world, and in particular upon vaccine manufacturers, developed countries, international organizations, international financial institutions and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), among others, to ensure that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is carried out equitably.

The Delegation of the Dominican Republic is a co-sponsor of this resolution and fully shares the concern it expresses about any measure that creates inequitable and discriminatory access to vaccines between developed and developing countries and so puts at risk the preservation of the health and well-being of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as respect for the principle of international cooperation and solidarity.

Dear colleagues, last Monday, February 15, the Dominican Government launched the national COVID-19 vaccination plan, which seeks to vaccinate 7.8 million people over the age of eighteen this year and for which 15.6 million doses will be needed. To that end, the Dominican Government is working tirelessly to obtain, by different routes, the vaccines that are so badly needed. The principles of this national vaccination plan, which was set in motion only a few hours ago, are equal respect, human well-being, national equity and legitimacy. Its main objectives are to protect the integrity of the health system, to reduce the mortality associated with COVID-19, to reduce severe illness and the transmission of COVID-19, and to reduce the risk of infection in the general population.

Like the Dominican Government, we note that all Member States and permanent observers of this Organization are making great efforts to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to their respective populations. Nevertheless, if the distribution of vaccines is not carried out through an equitable and non-discriminatory process, those efforts and sacrifices, especially those of developing countries, will be gravely affected. For that reason, the Dominican Republic joins the call made in this momentous resolution.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.