AstraZeneca Vaccines arrives in Honiara

The AstraZeneca Vaccines through the COVAX facility has finally arrived in the Solomon Islands.

The vaccines were received by the Minister of Health and Medical service Dr. Culvic Togamana.

Dr. Togamana said the Implementation and rollout program will commence in the coming weeks. 

“This first batch of 24,000 doses of vaccines will only cater for 20 percent of our population.”

He said the government is seriously taking proactive actions to vaccinate everyone.

“We expect another batch from China next month.”

He added, though the vaccine only caters to the Honiara population, the government also prioritizes the Western border.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Dr. Zelalem Taffesse said COVID-19 requires global unity to fight against it.

“COVAX represents global alliances against COVID-19. This vaccine we received today indicates that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

The vaccines will be launched Wednesday next week at the National field Hospital. 

COVAX is co-led by CEPI, Gavi, and WHO, alongside key delivery partner UNICEF. 

by Charley Piringi