January 31, 2022The Northern Health Senior Medical Staff Association (SMSA) are proud to announce their recent contribution of $25,113 towards the global COVAX campaign.
The COVAX campaign, administered by the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunisations (GAVI), is a global health partnership of private and public organisations, which aims to vaccinate the world against COVID-19. The campaign is targeted at accelerating the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
Health care workers across the globe have worked as the backbone of the COVID-19 pandemic. They understand better than anyone the sacrifice and dedication required to get through these extremely challenging times. Because of this, the Northern Health SMSA was determined to play their part in the international response, particularly focusing on disadvantaged countries.
Leading the charge was Dr Dean Pritchard, Chair of the SMSA and Deputy Director, Emergency Department.
“As an association of senior medical staff, we thought it was crucial to contribute to the international efforts against COVID-19. As indicated by our tagline – Pandemic means worldwide,” explained Dean.
“After almost three weeks of donations, the SMSA membership raised $15,113. The SMSA has pledged to match every donation made, to a total of $10,000. This brings our grand total to $25,113.”
“From UNICEF estimates, our donation will work to protect over 5,000 healthcare workers against COVID-19, in countries that need it most. Take a bow senior medical staff of Northern Health! An enormous thank you to each and every one of you who donated to this campaign,” Dean said.
Coupled with vaccine manufacturers, major sponsors and the donating public, COVAX has now shipped over 1 billion vaccine doses worldwide, helping to provide disadvantaged countries equal access to vaccination against COVID-19.
“I am very humbled by the generosity of our senior medical staff, and hope this campaign has raised the awareness of the greater struggle that exists outside Australian borders,” Dean added.
Featured image (left to right): Dr Anthony Cross, SMSA Treasurer and ICU Director with Dr Dean Pritchard, SMSA Chair and Deputy Director, Emergency Department
