IN a bid to reassure the public about the safety of the on-going COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the Minister of Health Semano Sekatle invited heads of foreign agencies in Lesotho to be vaccinated together with other dignitaries at the Makoanyane Military Hospital on March 18.

The foreign envoys included the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Anurita Bains, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Lesotho, Dr Richards Banda and the European Union (EU) ambassador to Lesotho, Dr Christian Manahl.

By taking the AstraZeneca vaccine, the three diplomats were actually proving to the public that it is safe and efficient, WHO and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have confirmed.

The vaccine is currently being administered to frontline workers across the country, including health care professionals.

Speaking on behalf of his international colleagues, Dr Manahl expressed his solidarity with the health care workers for their commitment in helping to protect the nation from the pandemic.

He also commended the government for organising the campaign with the vaccine obtained through the COVAX facility.

Referring to the temporary suspension of AstraZeneca in several European countries, Dr Manahl reminded the public that the evidence obtained worldwide, including confirmation by the WHO and EMA, shows that AstraZeneca is effective in preventing serious illness as well as reducing the risk of death.

He showed that taking the vaccine is voluntary, pleading with Basotho to take their decisions responsibly and consider that only collective action will contain the virus by allowing the country to eventually overcome the pandemic.