Question Period Note: COVAX Facility Evaluation

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About

Reference number:
00016-2023
Date received:
May 15, 2023
Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of International Development

Issue/Question:

On May 2, Gavi released Phase 1 of an independent evaluation of the COVAX Facility spanning from early 2020 until the end of 2021.

Suggested Response:

• COVID‑19 demonstrated that none of us are safe, until all of us are safe. The COVAX Facility delivered on its mandate ‑ serving as an effective mechanism to meet country demand, and promote equitable access for COVID‑19 vaccines.

Background:

On May 2, Gavi released Phase 1 of an independent evaluation of the COVAX Facility spanning from early 2020 until the end of 2021. The evaluation found that COVAX was coherently designed, successfully operationalized, and was able to make significant progress toward its goals for 2021. The evaluation is critical of procurement‑related behavior amongst high‑income countries (HICs), including Canada. Specific criticisms highlight the perceived push from HICs to include dose donations in COVAX design and the pressures experienced by countries to accept dose donations. The important role of donations in bolstering COVAX vaccine supply over 2021 is also highlighted.

Additional Information:

None