The Chinese government has decided to donate 100 000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to Namibia, Chinese ambassador Zhang Yiming announced yesterday.
According to Yiming, the donation was made after the Namibian authorities reached out to their Chinese counterparts.
The Chinese government has also listed Namibia among the priority countries for purchasing the sought after vaccines, manufactured in that country, to help fight the pandemic.
Yiming yesterday said they are currently working out details with the line ministry for delivery.
“This virus respects no boundaries and we are all in the course of fighting it. Solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon in the combat against Covid-19,” said Yiming.
He added that China, despite difficulties, including limitation of production capacity, has decided to give priority to developing countries, such as Namibia, to acquire Covid-19 vaccines.
“The pandemic is still ranging across the world but the friendship between Namibia and China has been continuously consolidated and sublimated in combating Covid-19 with solidarity,” he said.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday announced the country is in discussions with other nations with regards to acquiring additional vaccines.
“Apart from the Covax facility, we are in discussion with governments and manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines in countries such as China, the Russian Federation, India and United States of America to secure additional vaccine supplies to cover the remaining 40% of the population,” he said.
Namibia is expected to receive its first batch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine later this month.
This vaccine will be prioritised for front liners.
Shangula also stated the second wave of Covid-19 has further highlighted the imperative of ensuring that people comply with the health measures.
Shangula called for caution regarding any news related to the roll-out of the vaccines, saying the Namibia Medical Regulatory Council is providing the necessary guidance and regulatory oversight as inoculations go through a stringent evaluation to ensure they are safe and efficacious.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na