LESOTHO has managed to vaccinate over 36 000 people through the National COVID-19 Deployment Plan, the Minister of Health Semano Sekatle says.
health
May 29, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
3 min read
Lesotho vaccinates over 36 000 people – Sekatle
The Minister of Health Semano Sekatle
He made the remarks on Thursday when presenting a report on the country’s situation at the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region press briefing on COVID-19 in Africa.
Mr Sekatle said the country managed to use 100 percent of the vaccination it received, adding that the dozes are finished although the demand is still high.
The vaccine, he said was administered to 95 percent of local health workers including village health workers as well as other vulnerable groups that are at risk of catching the virus.
He said at the beginning of the vaccine rolling-out, they met several challenges including myths about the vaccines having a negative effect when used.
To bring back the people’s trust, he said they had to rely on science and communicated the benefits more.
He said they also commenced the vaccination campaign with His Majesty King Letsie III, the Prime Minister and other community leaders in order to lead by example.
He said they worked with their development partners including WHO to disseminate essential information.
He said Lesotho is aware that other countries are already experiencing the third wave of the pandemic, adding that this calls for discipline and resilience in order to overcome the virus.
Speaking at the same event, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said they will distribute second dozes of the COVID-19 vaccine by July to avoid any delays in order to save more lives.
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Dr Moeti appealed to countries with high doses of the vaccine to share what they have with other countries, urging them to give early signals so that they could be redistributed before they expire.
She commended countries like Lesotho, Botswana and Eswatini among others, which used 100 percent of their vaccine supply.
Dr Moeti said there is need for a strong communication campaign from trusted people who can influence their circles.
She said the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, adding that there is also need to communicate this message to all individuals.
She further showed that COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe illness and death.
“There is a need to train more health workers, create ways to retain them as well as distribute them fairly to avoid concentration in urban areas.
French ambassador for Global Health, Stephaine Sedoux said the COVID-19 vaccine is a sure way to win this fight.
She said they will deliver a total of 500 000 doses before the end of June and more by the end of the year.
“We are doing this to enhance response at the global level and we will achieve a lot with the use of COVAX Facility, through the guidance of WHO.” LeNA
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