Delivering hope to Brazil

UPS driver makes history delivering COVID-19 vaccines
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For the past five years, Paulo Mota has been delivering packages to UPS customers – usually in a small delivery van.

But the 46-year-old is also licensed and experienced driving big trucks. Given his expertise and record, he was selected to deliver COVID-19 vaccines. With the critical healthcare supplies arriving on a 767 UPS aircraft into Sao Paulo in April, he was behind the wheel delivering the first one million doses in Brazil.

“Escorted by the Brazilian federal police and driving in the streets of my own city, I reflected on how at that moment, I was part of history,” he said.

Paulo says this was the most important delivery of his life. The pandemic has been devastating, and on the verge of a third wave of infections, these vaccines brought relief and hope to the people of Brazil.

“I have friends I lost due to COVID,” said Paulo, who is a husband, father and grandfather. “It’s been such difficult times, and delivering these vaccines with my own hands, and on my UPS truck, fills me with pride and hope. When I hear the news on the vaccine delivery, it feels like I am hearing my name.”

Paulo and his family are taking care of themselves and waiting their turn to get vaccinated.

“Just like many others in my country, I hope for a better tomorrow,” he said. “I know these vaccines will make a difference in the lives of many. I am proud, not only for myself but for my family as well ... and humbled for those who are no longer among us.”

To date, UPS has delivered more than 300 million COVID-19 doses around the world – at a 99.9% on-time clip. Another example of how we are moving our world forward by delivering what matters.

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