A resolution for a global seafarers vaccination program proposed by the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has been officially adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The resolution was agreed at the Fourth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 – Part I and calls for a mapping exercise to identify the number of vaccines required for seafarers ashore at seafarer supplying countries.
The resolution builds upon the proposal for a global seafarers vaccination program presented by Cyprus earlier this year to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the European Union. It is a concrete step in identifying the magnitude of the vaccination challenge and then proceeding collectively with more decisive action, working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and pharmaceutical companies to secure sufficient vaccines for seafarers.