Gaza – Fatah Media:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said: “The government of the People’s Republic of China has donated two hundred thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the agency.”
UNRWA added in a statement issued on Wednesday that the vaccines were delivered to three of the Agency’s fields of operations, namely Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, in the last week of February 2022, explaining that “this vital contribution of COVID-19 vaccines will help protect refugees Most importantly, it complements and contributes to national vaccination programs and their dissemination in host countries.
She continued, “Strengthening the capacity of host countries to slow the spread of the Coronavirus is critical, and comprehensive, equitable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines is essential to achieving this goal,” noting that “this generous donation came as an immediate response from China to the agency’s needs.” amid global restrictions on the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine.
UNRWA stressed that this contribution from the Government of China sends a clear message of solidarity with Palestine refugees, who have become increasingly vulnerable due to the pandemic and the ongoing regional conflict.
UNRWA Health Program Director Dr. Sita Akihiro said: “The donation of the COVID-19 vaccine from the People’s Republic of China provides an essential layer of protection for Palestine refugees, promotes equitable and timely access to the vaccine, and will also enhance our cooperation with the kindly host countries. including Palestine refugees in their national immunization programmes.
For his part, Head of the Office of the People’s Republic of China in the State of Palestine, Ambassador Guo Wei, referring to their support for UNRWA, said: “China has always appreciated and supported UNRWA’s efforts, just as it appreciated that (UNRWA) continued to provide important assistance and services to Palestine refugees in the Middle East for a long time. “.
“This Chinese vaccine aid is intended to implement the Global Vaccine Cooperation Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the essence of which is to accelerate equitable access to vaccines in developing countries,” he added.
“China, as always, will support the work of (UNRWA) and will continue to provide practical assistance to Palestine refugees,” he added.
