At least eight districts with the highest prevalence of Covid-19 new infections are set to benefit from a total of 200,000 doses of the Chinese manufactured vaccine, Sinopharm, received this morning at the Kigali International Airport.
This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, who, alongside Rao Hongwei, Ambassador of China to Rwanda graced the ceremony.
Rwanda has been receiving at least 250,000 vaccine doses every week, a move that boosts the country’s vaccination efforts, especially in most affected areas, Minister Ngamije said, while presiding over the event.
“The districts were selected according to the current numbers,” he added, “most of them are in Southern and Eastern Province.”
Minister Ngamije pointed out that the move is expected to inform a government decision on lifting various measures including an ongoing lockdown.
Focus on working community
With most of the elderly groups vaccinated with their first dose so far, Ngamije highlighted that the government has now turned to the working community to further mitigate the spread of the virus in public.
“Today, we are focusing on those that are between 30 and 40 in the working community,” he said. “The plan has so far been successful, as more vaccines come in.”
“When the majority of the working community is vaccinated, we have an advantage of mitigating the spread of the virus,” Ngamije said.
According to the Minister, almost 60 percent of Kigali residents have been covered by the first dose.
“And we are optimistic that by next week, they will progressively receive their second dose.”
He commended China’s timely initiative to donate to Rwanda, citing that it is a sign of international solidarity.
“China has supported Rwanda in different ways since the beginning of the pandemic, including donation of PPEs among others. So it’s another symbol of strong bilateral cooperation.”
The Minister shared similar sentiments with Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, Rao Hongwei, who said that the consignment will help the country recover from the pandemic
“I do believe that this consignment will boost Rwanda’s fight against the virus as the country recovers to a normal production and life as soon as possible.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ties between Rwanda and China, and it has been steadily growing, he added.
Ambassador Hongwei said that the development is a reflection of the two countries’ deep friendship, adding that, “I hope China will continue to assist Rwanda,” he said.
Source: newtimesrwanda.com
