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May 01, 2020 "Unicef calls for support to unlock a huge backlog in vaccine shipments due to unprecedented logistical constraints related to Covid-19 containment measures, including lockdowns in some countries", is the appeal launched by the Fund United Nations for Children.Since the week of March 22, Unicef has seen a 70-80% reduction in planned vaccine shipments due to the drastic drop in commercial flights and the limited availability of charter flights. In May, dozens of countries are at risk of out of stock due to delayed shipments of vaccines.
Twenty-six countries are at higher risk and are difficult to reach due to limited commercial and freight transport options. Among them, at least five countries had measles outbreaks in 2019 and many others remain at risk. The challenge is compounded by exorbitant costs to guarantee flights, with freight rates 100-200% higher than normal ones and even more expensive charter flights.
In Yemen, for example, more than 5 million children under the age of five are at risk of cholera and acute watery diarrhea. More than 110,000 cases of suspected cholera have been registered in Yemen since January 2020. Children under five years of age represent a quarter of these cases, while Yemen is facing the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic. .
In 2019, Unicef provided 2.43 billion vaccine doses for 100 countries, to reach around 45% of all children under the age of five.