LESOTHO is in May expecting the second batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine which includes 100 000 doses from the COVAX facility, Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro has announced.
health
May 1, 2021
LINEO MABEKEBEKE
2 min read
Second batch of COVID-19 vaccine coming
He further showed that the country has also ordered a million doses of the Jonson and Jonson vaccine from the Africa Centre of Disease Control and Prevention.
The Jonson and Jonson consignment, Dr Majoro said will arrive in the country on a date yet to be announced.
The Prime Minister made the pronouncement on Monday night when addressing the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic progress.
He noted that Lesotho will still remain under blue colour code, with relaxed restrictions on movement, effective from Wednesday.
The country has also opened all its borders, restoring most of its economic activities.
Travelers are expected to produce valid COVID-19 certificates in order to enter Lesotho and travel to their respective destinations.
Dr Majoro said while the country is waiting for the second batch of the COVID-19 vaccine, a total of 20 000 health workers has already been vaccinated.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is vaccinating patients with chronic diseases and media practitioners.
Dr Majoro said the infection rate has also dropped, with a lower number of patients being admitted in hospitals.
Lesotho on March 3 received 36 000 doses of the vaccine as part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, which represented part of the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries.
For several months, COVAX partners have been supporting governments and partners in readiness efforts, in preparation for this moment.
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They have been especially active in working with some of the world’s poorest countries: those that will benefit from the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), an innovative financial mechanism to help secure global and equitable access for COVID-19 vaccines.
This includes assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, support for cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.
Dr Majoro further reminded the nation that the battle against COVID-19 has not yet ended, urging everybody to always observe the World Health Organisation (WHO) safety protocols.
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