Portsmouth couple launch campaign to get Covid-19 vaccines overseas
A COUPLE have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for Covid-19 vaccines in impoverished countries.
Stephen and Janice Lampard, from Portsmouth, recently founded Give a Vaccine, a new initiative designed to combat the inequality in vaccine distributions.
The pair, who live in North End, have started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for coronavirus vaccines in countries such as Uganda or Ethiopia.
Figures suggest that 80 per cent of Covid-19 vaccinations have been bought for 20 per cent of the world’s population, meaning only wealthy countries have access to them.
Stephen, 64, said: ‘Just a few weeks ago I became aware that although people are keen to have be vaccinated, it has to go global to be effective.
‘Clearly there is a disparity between the countries that can afford the vaccine and those who can’t.
‘While you can’t blame these governments for being on top of sourcing a vaccine, there’s certainly a way to support these struggling countries.’
The news comes after a new Covid-19 vaccine, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, was approved for use on December 30.
Under the NHS, all UK residents will be vaccinated – with each vaccination costing the government an average of £15.
Stephen, an architect, and Janice believe that because Brits don’t pay directly for a vaccine, funds should be gathered to support others.
‘We could all contribute to a global vaccine programme, if we all play our part,’ Stephen said.
‘As long as there are people around the world who haven’t been vaccinated, coronavirus will still play a part in our lives.
‘If we can do a bit of good for those less fortunate, and open the conversation, that would be fantastic.’
Having only just been established, the campaign has not become a charity yet, but the couple hope that will soon be on the horizon.
All admin costs will be covered by the pair, who are looking to raise £100,000.
‘It's a huge amount of money, but to achieve this we have to aim high,’ Stephen said.
To donate, go to gofundme.com/f/giveavaccinecom