Dhaka, 21 January 2022 (TDI): The United States donated additional 333,350 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh. The donation is part of a partnership of the United States with Covax, and to this last donation, there are more than 28 million doses the US donated worldwide.
With that being said, the COVID-19 vaccines are necessary to save lives in this pandemic era in Bangladesh and globally. This shipment of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines is the sixth one donated to the country. Previously, it has received AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm, as well as Sinovac from other donors.
The United States and Bangladesh Relationship
The official establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Bangladesh started on April, 4 of 1972. The Bangladeshi state has its embassy in Washington DC, and the US has its embassy in Dhaka. Both nations cooperate in different areas such as economics, security, governance, and development.
Indeed, the two work closely to advance a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Apart from official relations, they interact in people-to-people, commercial, and US assistance relations. For instance, the US is a donor to Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance. Nowadays, they assist in welcoming the Rohingyas refugees in Bangladesh.
Regarding multilateral relations, the two are members of similar International Organizations. Both entities interact in the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum.
USAID Bangladesh
The United States Agency for International Development in Bangladesh is one of the largest USAID assistance programs globally. It was established after its independence in 1971. In Bangladesh, the Agency works to promote institutions and practices of democracy, expand economic opportunities, improve health; education, and increase food security. Additionally, the US supports the country dealing with natural disasters.
About COVAX
COVAX is a mechanism for global collaboration to develop, produce, and deliver equipment related to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, worldwide. It is an initiative of Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
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