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LESOTHO RECEIVES SECOND VACCINE DONATION FROM AMERICA

Lesotho received 100 620 doses of PfizerCOVID-19 vaccines donated by the United States (U.S) government.
This took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Maseru
Speaking at the handover ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho, Ms. Rebecca Gonzales said the donation signifies a continuation of the United States’ Global Leadership in Public Health and the International COVID-19 Response, which she said is critical to ending the pandemic.
She noted that the U.S President, President Joe Biden announced earlier this year that the United States will share over 1.1 billion vaccine doses around the world and this delivery is part of that commitment.
Ms. Gonzales added that the United States will continue to support the vaccine rollout within the Ministry of Health and trusted implementing partners.
On the same note, the UNICEF Representative to Lesotho, Ms. Anurita Bains said UNICEF is delighted to see partners like the U.S. government working together to ensure the equitable access and timely delivery of vaccines in Africa and to Lesotho.
She remarked that Lesotho is making tremendous progress in getting vaccines to all citizens and the arrival of these doses means more Basotho will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Moreover, Ms Bains revealed that to ensure the safe storage and handling of these vaccines, UNICEF has provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and facilitated the donation of four, 100 litres, Ultra-low-temperature freezers.
Also speaking, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Lesotho, Dr Richard Banda said Lesotho has so far successfully vaccinated over 500,000 people, noting that at the current rate, the country is on track to achieve the WHO target of 40 percent of the population getting vaccinated by December 2021.
He, therefore, commented that WHO commends all efforts that have led to this significant achievement, saying even as the vaccination is rolled out, all Basotho are encouraged to continue wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and practising social distancing.
This is the second delivery of vaccines donated to Lesotho by the U.S. government. In July, the U.S. government donated 302 400 doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to Lesotho.

 
Source: LENA 10/11/2021

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