The Australian government is increasing its pandemic aid to the Philippines by 11.5 million Australian dollars (approximately PHP433 million), raising its total commitment to about PHP1.79 billion.
Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said Thursday he was “very pleased” that his government is able to make an “important contribution” to the country’s Covid-19 response, vaccine access and delivery needs.
“This new commitment of approximately PHP433 million will increase the number of Australian-funded vaccine doses that will be procured by UNICEF for the Philippines, and will significantly expand our vaccine delivery support, which is helping ensure that doses reach priority groups and vulnerable Filipinos across the country,” he said.
This funding is on top of Australia’s previously announced AUD35.99 million or PHP1.25 billion assistance to the Philippines for 2021 to 2023.
The initial PHP1.25 billion aid includes the following:
– PHP525 million to procure Covid-19 vaccine doses, via UNICEF;
– PHP263 million to support vaccine delivery; and
– PHP36 million in expert health
– PHP432 million to support the Philippines’ evolving health priorities over the next two years
Robinson said the additional allocation would augment their vaccine donations, including delivery and logistics support. The initial batch of its vaccine aid, meanwhile, is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The announcement was made as the envoy turned over to the Department of Health additional 100 oxygen concentrators, amounting to about PHP14 million.
The fresh donations bring to 200 the total concentrators and associated consumables Australia has provided to the Philippines.
The first 100 units were delivered last August across 27 hospitals and health centers in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
According to the Australian Embassy in Manila, the Health department would allocate the second donation to areas in need most. (PNA)
