Niël Terblanché
THE vaccination drive in Namibia will be bolstered by the arrival of 250 000 doses of the Sinopharm antigen over the coming weekend.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, while addressing Namibians from State House about the latest measures and interventions that will be implemented to stop the spread of SARS-CoV2 that causes COVID-19 amongst communities, said that the arrival of the new consignment of vaccines means that the countrywide vaccination campaign can be restarted by Monday.
“Distribution of the vaccines will be done on Saturday and Sunday,” he said today.
The health minister added that 40 800 doses of AstraZeneca acquired through the Covax Facility will arrive in Namibia next week.
He said that the exact date of arrival of the vaccines has not been communicated yet.
According to Dr. Shangula, the government has procured 333 333 doses of the Johnson & Johnson antigen from the Africa Union Platform.
“These doses will be delivered in a staggered fashion from August to December,” he said, adding that Namibia will receive a donation of 168 000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from the United States of America via the COVAX Facility between July and September.
The health minister also stated that the ministry is identifying new vaccination sites in order to improve access.
“We have noticed great interest among the public to get vaccinated. We are pleased with this development. We therefore assure the public that we shall do everything possible to make sure that vaccines are available,” he said.
Dr. Shangula also expressed appreciation towards the international community that responded positively on Namibia’s request for assistance in combating COVID-19.
“We have received support from Finland, Germany and Belgium through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The United States of America has pledged 165 200 doses of the vaccine. We have great appreciation for this expression of solidarity,” he said.
Dr. Shangula said the government is encouraged and incentivised by the support it is receiving from the private sector under the auspices of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the assistance with oxygen supply and expansion of bed capacity.
He also expressed appreciation toward the City of Windhoek that has assisted the ministry to decongest the mortuaries with the disposal of unclaimed bodies.
“We are sustained in this fight by the support of the people of Namibia. It is humbling to see individual members of the public visiting our vaccination sites and hospitals to deliver refreshment to personnel and giving messages of encouragement. This spirit of oneness will make Namibia conquer COVID-19. It is such acts of caring that will eventually make Namibia a winning nation,” he said.
The health minister also acknowledged the bravery, and hard work of all healthcare and frontline workers in the battle against the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
