$9bn vaccine initiative launched for Asia Pacific by ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) initiative offering rapid and equitable support to its developing members as they procure and deliver effective and safe coronavirus vaccines.

More than 14.3 million positive cases have been identified in Asia and the Pacific, causing more than 200,000 deaths, reads a release from ADB.

As the pandemic persists, economic growth in developing Asia is projected to contract by 0.4% in 2020 — the first regional GDP contraction since the early ‘60s.

Promoting safe, equitable, and effective access to vaccines is a top priority for ADB’s Covid-19 response efforts.

Vaccination programs can break the chain of virus transmission, save lives, and mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic by restoring confidence in people’s ability to work, travel, and socialize safely.

The APVAX provides a comprehensive framework and resource envelope for supporting developing Asia’s vaccine access, using two complementary components.

The Rapid Response Component will provide timely support for critical vaccine diagnostics, procurement of vaccines, and transporting vaccines from the place of purchase to ADB’s developing members.

The Project Investment Component will support investments in systems for successful distribution, delivery, and administration of vaccines along with associated investments in building capacity, community outreach, and surveillance.

This may include such areas as cold-chain storage and transportation, vehicles, distribution infrastructure, processing facilities, and other physical investments.

The component may also be used to develop or expand vaccine manufacturing capacity in developing members.