Tonight, Belize is that much closer to that all important mark of 70% vaccination. It's a feat that was impossible before with the in-country vaccines Astrazeneca and Sinopharm not approved for anyone under 18.

The solution? Pfizer.

It's the only vaccine that's been approved for adolescents. But up until now Belize had neither doses nor facilities to be able to store them.

But that all changed today when Charge d' Affaires at the the U.S. Keith Gilges spearheaded the donation of an "Ultracold" Freezer to be used for Pfizer vaccines, approved for use on children 12 years and older.

Gilges was visibly excited in his speech today as he spoke about this gift of vaccines for Belize's adolescent population:

Keith Gilges - Charge d'Affaires, U.S Embassy
"The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide problem that requires a global solution. The United States is committed to playing a lead role in international COVID-19 response in partnership with the global community. Since joining the COVID-19 vaccine global access initiative, commonly known as COVAX, the United States has contributed 2 billion US dollars and pledge an additional 2 billion through 2022. I'm proud that Belize is one of many beneficiaries of this program, having received over 100 thousand vaccine doses through COVAX and an additional 138 thousand doses anticipated in the coming months. We've also launched partnerships to boost global vaccine manufacturing capacity to ensure equitable access across the world. Ensuring every Belizean has access to safe and effective immunizations goes beyond just supplying the doses. We are committed to helping Belize develop it's capacity to administer vaccine throughout the country. Through the CDC the US government had pledged an additional 65 thousand US dollars to support COVID-19 technical assistance in Belize. These funds will be used primarily for policy planning and project development on the ongoing COVID immunization campaign, including the hiring of additional health care workers do deliver COVID vaccines to rural and at risk communities. Our goal is to slow the spread of the virus, boost disease surveillance efforts, improve care for affected individuals and mitigate the impact of the disease across Belize."

Deysi Mendez - CEO, Ministry of Health
"People of this country are thankful to the government of the United States of America, for facilitating the ultra low temperature freezer, donated by the regional office of Central America of the Center of Disease Control and prevention. The people and the government of Belize recognizes the ongoing and continuous support in many of the countries in the region. For the public institutions, as they support public health priorities in Central America, this humanitarian aide creates a new opportunity for our people, a new opportunity to safe guard and vaccinate another age group in our population and focusing in those communities at risk. It is with much gratitude that I stand here today as this support strengthen our vaccination campaign as allows us to further reach to our population. To the government and people of the United States of America, thank you. It's impossible for me close off without expressing the best wishes and further success to you Mr. Keith as you come to a closure of your term in our country."

The freezer can reach as low as -86°C, suited for Pfizer vaccine. The freezer can hold over 9,000 multi dose vials.

Now, the only thing missing is something to put in there! Tonight, the freezer is empty - but reliable sources tell us that Belize is pursuing a large donation of Pfizer vaccines.