Emirates SkyCargo partners UNICEF for vaccines distribution

Emirates SkyCargo is partnering with UNICEF as part of the Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to expedite transportation of COVID-19 vaccines around the world. UNICEF recently launched the Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative, and Emirates airline was one of the 10 leading airlines to sign agreements with UNICEF to support the prioritisation of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, essential medicines, medical devices and other critical supplies to respond to the pandemic.

The Initiative is also expected to act as a global logistics preparedness mechanism for other humanitarian and health crises over the longer term.

The UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative brings together the airlines covering routes to over 100 countries, in support of the COVAX Facility – the global effort aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Based on the COVAX Facility’s indicative distribution and first round allocation plan, 145 countries will receive vaccine doses starting in the first half of 2021, subject to all requirements being met and final allocation plans. In addition to prioritizing shipments of these life-saving supplies, the airlines will take measures such as temperature control and security, while also adding freight capacity to routes where needed. Hence, Emirates SkyCargo has set up a dedicated hub for COVID-19 vaccines in Dubai for the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

“We are grateful to these airlines for joining forces with the UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to support the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines,” said Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF Supply Division.

Emirates Skycargo has extensive EU GDP certified infrastructure in Dubai for transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Emirates SkyCargo is also part of the Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance. It has been transporting COVID-19 vaccines around the world since late 2020. Most recently the carrier has moved vaccines from India to Brazil, South Africa and Mexico. Just on Tuesday, it delivered vaccines to Nigeria.