Jakarta (ANTARA) - The United States Mission in Indonesia made an announcement on Tuesday to funnel further funding of US$3.5 million through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to bolster Indonesia's COVID-19 vaccination endeavors.

With this additional funding, the US government's support for Indonesia's COVID-19 response totals $14.5 million, according to a written statement issued by the US Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The USAID will utilize this additional funding to fortify the Indonesian government’s vaccination planning, coordination, distribution, and implementation of procedures during and after the vaccine administration.

Moreover, the USAID helps to increase the number of vaccinated communities by addressing misinformation, enhancing the dissemination of timely and factual information, and broadening access to safe and effective vaccines and inoculation facilities.

The United States, through the USAID, is expediting global access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines through a historic $2-billion contribution — out of the total planned $4 billion — to the vaccine alliance, Gavi.

This contribution supports the purchase and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines for 92 nations, including Indonesia, through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment.

Furthermore, it will aid in safeguarding some of the world’s most vulnerable and at-risk populations from COVID-19 and mitigate the spread of emerging variants.

Through COVAX, Indonesia received 4,965,600 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on March 8 and April 26, 2021, and is scheduled to obtain another 11,704,800 doses this year.

"The rapid spread of COVID-19 has shown us that no nation can act alone against a global pandemic. The United States is committed to supporting Indonesia's vaccination efforts, partnering with the government and people of Indonesia to save lives, and working toward the safe reopening of the Indonesian economy," Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava stated.

"Through our support to Gavi, the United States works with partners and governments around the world to vaccinate vulnerable populations, reach those without other options, and help ensure that none of us have to face the challenges of a global pandemic alone," she affirmed. Related news: US committed to supporting vaccine response in Indonesia: envoy
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Suharto
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