Uganda receives 586,080 doses of Covid 19 vaccines from Norway and China

Minister of Health Dr Jane Aceng has said a fourth consignment of 586,080 Covid 19 vaccines from Norway and China will supplement Government’s strategy of mass vaccination of the eligible population (22 million representing 49.8%) as a means of optimal control of the pandemic and full opening up of the economy.

Ms Aceng made the remarks after receiving the fourth consignment of 586,080 doses that included 300,000 sinovac doses directly from the Chinese government and 286,080 Astrazeneca doses from the Norwegian government through the Covax facility, at the National Medical Stores (NMS) in Entebbe on Saturday bringing to a total 1,725,280 doses of vaccines received by Uganda in its efforts to curb Covid 19.

Aceng said Uganda has so far vaccinated 902,992 people had been vaccinated with the first dose only while 240,771 have been able to receive their second dose from the initial 1,139,200 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine that Uganda received in March and June 2021.

In June, Uganda received 175,200 Astra zeneca vaccines from France, which was an addition to the first 864,000 doses from the W.H.O on 5th March through the covax facility and 100,000 doses as a donation from India on 8th March.

The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong said the vaccines will play a role in helping with mass vaccination efforts of Uganda to curb the spread of the pandemic at this critical juncture as the second wave hits Uganda.

The Norwegian Chief Of Mission in Uganda, Arne Haug applauded Uganda for handling the pandemic efficiently.

“Norway will continue to support Uganda in the fight against COVID-19. Navigating the pandemic so that we can emerge stronger will require strong partnerships to ensure that no one is left behind. Partnerships like the one between Norway and Uganda” he said.

The UNICEF representative to Uganda, Dr Munir Safieldin that handed over 100 oxygen cylinders and attendant accessories (100regulators, 100spindle keys and 100oxygen masks) said the UNICEF is set to install four oxygen plants across the country as part of its COVID-19 Pandemic response.

The NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare noted that “distribution of the vaccines will commence as soon as the Ministry of Health provides the distribution list to NMS.