We are in a
race to vaccinate the world; one that we cannot afford to lose.
And, no one is safe until everyone is safe.
Globally, there are more than 3 billion people living in isolated and rural
areas.
The delivery of vaccinations to these communities is an immense challenge that
demands an international response.
This is why—today—the Universal Postal Union is launching the Post4Health facility
to help communities by leveraging one of the world’s largest networks comprised
of 192 countries, 650,000 postal facilities and more than 5 million employees.
Our most urgent goal is the last mile delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and related
medical equipment and the promotion of powerful advocacy campaigns to spread
life-saving information.
Ultimately, Post4Health aims to catalyze the capacity of postal operators to
deliver health products, policies and services to people everywhere.
Thanks to initial donor support from Japan and France, the UPU is engaged in
building close partnerships with experienced postal operators to assist in the
vaccine challenge.
To support the facility, the UPU will obtain the latest scientific advice from
health experts, global institutions and national health agencies.
In all these efforts, we will build close cooperation and coordination across
the United Nations to ensure that we deliver as one.
Since 1948, the Universal Postal Union has proudly supported the UN’s work in
the areas of peace and security, human rights, the rule of law and development.
Post4Health is designed to uphold the very best principles of the UN at the
time of our greatest need.
I encourage every postal operator to work with the Universal Postal Union and
to consider funding the facility.
By doing so, you will be playing an essential role in overcoming the world’s
greatest logistical challenge.
--Bishar A. Hussein, Director General, Universal Postal Union.
To help overcome this immense challenge, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is launching Post4Health designed to catalyse the ability of Posts to help deliver COVID-19 vaccines and position the sector as an actor in global and national public health policies. The facility supports the engagement of Posts in the immediate vaccine response, as well as in COVID-19 related awareness, outreach and advocacy campaigns.
The facility will leverage a
global postal network of 192 countries, around 650,000 postal facilities and
more than 5 million employees. A network driven by the Universal Service
Obligation calling on designated posts in each country to deliver to everyone.
Speaking about the new
facility, the UPU’s Deputy Director General, Pascal Clivaz, said, “We are in a
race to vaccinate the world. As one of the world’s largest networks, the
international postal sector has the logistical capacity to reach every single
community. This is why we see the sector as a vital partner in the COVID-19
vaccine response. It delivers to the world every single day.”
Using the facility, the
UPU’s objective is to assist Posts where needed to acquire essential equipment
to transport both vaccines and related medical goods, such as syringes and
personal protective equipment At present, the majority of Posts do not have the
ability to provide ultra-cold chain logistics required by some vaccines.
Post4Health will focus on cold chain logistics and meet the needs of other
vaccines as they enter the market.
The facility is supported by
initial contributions from La Poste Group (France) and Japan’s Ministry of
Internal Affairs and Communication. To ensure close coordination and
cooperation, the UPU will work closely with its UN partners on the global
COVID-19 response.
Commenting on Post4Health’s
long term goals, the UPU’s Coordinator for Resource Mobilization and
Stakeholder Engagement, Olivier Boussard said, “We want to make sure that
wherever possible the postal sector can help with vaccine distribution and
build the capacity of Posts to deliver health products and health services
beyond the Covid-19 vaccine distribution challenge.”
***
The Universal Postal Union is a UN specialized agency with its headquarters in
the Swiss capital Berne. Established in 1874, it is one of the world’s oldest
international organizations and is the primary forum for cooperation between
postal sector players.
To read more about the
Post4Health facility, please go here
To read the Statement of the
UPU Director General, please here
To read the Webstory on the
Post4Health facility, please go here
Source : https://www.upu.int/en/
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