Dear colleagues,

Like several other Pediatric Department Chairs across Canada, I've decided to host a fundraiser in support of UNICEF’s COVID-19 Fund.

As pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists, we know that one of medicine's most effective tools is vaccination. We have been fortunate to have access to first, second, and even third doses of the COVID vaccine. Right now, we are in a race against time to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to every corner of the globe. The pandemic has exposed and amplified global inequalities and vaccine access is just one example of this.

As of December 14, almost 86% of Canadians 5 years of age and older had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and just over 80% were fully vaccinated (1). In contrast, just over 7% of people in low-income countries had received a single dose (2). As of late October, it appeared that large regions of the world would not reach 60-70% adult vaccination coverage until 2023 or later (3). COVAX aims to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for people in all countries, with UNICEF as a key delivery partner (4, 5).

We know that the only way through this pandemic is together. Global vaccination is an urgent matter of both equity and self-interest. Let’s come together and #GiveAVax now.

Follow the link to donate: https://amplify.netdonor.net/2261/fundraise-for-unicef-canada-en/129400/montreal-childrens-hospital-pediatrics

The campaign starts NOW and runs to February 28, 2022. 

Note: Donations made directly to UNICEF via the online fundraising page will automatically generate a tax receipt.