This project aims to improve inclusive and equitable access to and coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in priority population groups and communities within targeted areas in the Americas. Specific targeted countries include Colombia, Haiti and Jamaica. The project is will strengthen health systems and increase access to vaccination. Key efforts include support for regulatory system capacity, strengthened cold chain capacity, and improved capacity and retention of health personnel. It also seeks to develop and support the implementation of strategies, information systems, and digital platforms for COVID-19 vaccine surveillance, support the rollout of research on COVID-19 vaccination uptake, and generate demand for COVID-19 vaccines through community outreach and engagement via culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive methods. Project activities include: (1) providing technical and financial support to countries in integrating COVID-19 vaccination operations into the national immunization program; (2) supporting operations for COVID-19 vaccination implementation, especially among high-risk groups. These groups include health workers, older adults, persons with comorbidities, immunocompromised persons and pregnant women; (3) procuring immunization materials and commodities to support the national immunization program of select countries; (4) supporting vaccination operations against other vaccine-preventable diseases to avoid new outbreaks; (5) conducting needs assessment and procurement of cold chain operations (equipment, transportation, technical support) and of injection materials equipment, transportation, technical support); (6) developing and implementing practical tools for the integration and mainstreaming of equity, gender and cultural diversity aspects into policies, programs, and projects; and (7) developing communication campaigns, strategies and products that incorporate equity, gender, human rights and cultural diversity considerations to enhance population knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases and COVID-19 prevention and to increase immunization coverage. The project expects to reach approximately 13.8 million direct beneficiaries across 49 countries and territories of the Americas, including 7 million women. The project also expects to reach 66 million indirect beneficiaries across 49 countries and territories, including 33 million women.
