Israel to donate 1 million COVID-19 vaccines to African nations

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• Dec 16, 2021 | moderator

Jerusalem: The Israeli government announced that they would donate 1 million Covid-19 vaccines to the African countries. The Foreign Ministry stated that Israel would transport the AstraZeneca vaccines in the coming weeks to the African nations.

The ministry further stated that this initiative taken by the Israeli government is to strengthen ties with the African nations. 

"I am pleased that Israel can donate and be a partner in stopping the pandemic around the world," stated Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

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The announcement made by the ministry stated that these vaccines would reach close to a quarter of African countries. However, the list of nations that will receive these vaccines is not provided. 

Israel already maintains good relations with several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Israel also made good connections with Sudan in 2020 as part of a series of U.S.-brokered agreements.

The contribution of these vaccines will be provided under COVAX. COVAX is an international initiative that seeks to deliver coronavirus vaccines to poorer countries. Wealthier nations have received most of the world's vaccine stockpiles, generating a vast imbalance in access to jabs.

Notably, Israel was one of the first nations to vaccinate its population. Israel also provided vaccination for tens of thousands of Palestinians who work in Israel and its settlements.