Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Founding Co-chair of the Caribbean American Caucus, released the following statement in support of the Administration’s Global Vaccine Distribution announcement.

“As a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the Founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean and House Haiti Caucuses, I applaud president Biden and his Administration for answering our calls to introduce a competent global vaccination plan to support our neighbors — particularly Caribbean nations — who have been some of the hardest hit by the devastating effect of COVID-19,” said Clarke. “Let me be very clear: As long as this pandemic is raging anywhere in the world, we are all still vulnerable. I am proud the United States is committed to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated right here at home. The allocation of approximately 6 million doses to the Caribbean and Latin America is a poignant step in the right direction that will dramatically stem the tide of COVID’s deadly progression in the region.” 

Listed below is a summary of the Biden Administration’s Global Vaccine Distribution: 

Today, the Administration announced its framework for sharing these 80 million U.S. vaccine doses worldwide. Specifically, the United States will:

• Share 75% of these vaccines through COVAX. The United States will share at least three-quarters of its donated doses through COVAX, supplying U.S. doses to countries in need. This will maximize the number of vaccines available equitably for the greatest number of countries and for those most at-risk within countries.  For doses shared through COVAX, the United States will prioritize Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa, in coordination with the African Union.   
• Share 25% for immediate needs and to help with surges around the world. The United States has received requests for vaccines from countries all over the world.  The U.S. will share up to one-quarter of its donated doses directly with countries in need, those experiencing surges, immediate neighbors, and other countries that have requested immediate U.S. assistance.

Additionally, the Biden Administration announced the proposed allocation plan for the first 25 Million doses. Based on the framework above and pending legal and regulatory approvals, the United States plans to send our first tranche of 25 million doses:

• Nearly 19 million will be shared through COVAX, with the following allocations:
  • Approximately 6 million for South and Central America to the following countries: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Haiti, and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, as well as the Dominican Republic.
  • Approximately 7 million for Asia to the following countries and entities:  India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands. 
  • Approximately 5 million for Africa to be shared with countries that will be selected in coordination with the African Union. 
  • Approximately 6 million will be targeted toward regional priorities and partner recipients, including Mexico, Canada, and the Republic of Korea, West Bank and Gaza, Ukraine, Kosovo, Haiti, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen, as well as for United Nations frontline workers. 

“This is a timely and long-awaited step to support our Caribbean neighbors in their fight to combat COVID-19. As we honor, celebrate, and commemorate the boundless contributions of Caribbean Americans to our Nation during Caribbean Heritage Month — I would, however, like further logistical insight into which countries are included in the 6 million and the dates the vaccines will arrive. Additionally, I look forward to further vaccination allocations to Caribbean nations in the coming weeks that will ensure our neighbors in the region are supported in a manner that is on-trend with the standard of American global relief efforts,” said Clarke.  

###

Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration,  a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021

Media contact: Remmington Belford Remmington.belford@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737