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PM RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE

The Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on Friday evening, received 302,400 doses of the Johnson &Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from the United States (US) government.
The donation forms part of President Biden-Harris Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
When receiving the vaccines, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the government of the US, saying the donation came at the right time when there is a need to vaccinate people as soon as possible to enhance the fight against COVID-19.
He said COVID-19 has negatively affected the economies of the world and that investors are not willing to go to lockdowns hence it is important to get people vaccinated.
He urged the Ministry of Health to start the vaccinations as soon as possible, noting that with the vaccine received, the Ministry will start with the remaining vulnerable groups which are at the risk of contracting COVID-19, citing elderly people and members of the security agencies to mention a few. He said they will start with other new groups of people immediately after completing these vulnerable groups.
Dr Majoro also indicated that Harvard has promised to distribute 108,000 doses of vaccine to the country, adding that the private sector will also buy 60,000 doses and commended it for the contribution.
He also expressed gratitude to the COVAX facility for a promising process of distributing vaccines to developing countries.
Speaking at the same occasion, the US Ambassador to Lesotho Mrs. Rebecca Gonzales said the donation embodies the continuation of the US leadership in public and the International COVID-19 response which is critical to ending the pandemic.
She said the US has contributed about M86 million to help Lesotho since the start of COVID-19, congratulating the country for the gift.
She, therefore, urged the country to ensure the swift and equitable distribution of the vaccines across the 10 districts of Lesotho, prioritising those individuals whose underlying health conditions make them vulnerable.
In conclusion, she stressed the US commitment to continue to work side by side with the government of Lesotho to support local COVID-19 response efforts.
Also speaking, the United Nations Agency Representative Ms Betty Wabunoha said they are pleased as partners for working together to ensure access and delivery of vaccine in Lesotho, congratulating the latter for the gift.
She said the donation will enable to reach a sustainable number of people in the country, reminding members of the public that they should always observe COVID-19 safety protocols even if they have been vaccinated.
The US government coordinated closely with the African Union and Africa CDC on the country allocations. The vaccine doses arrived in Lesotho via COVAX and they are part of the US pledge to initially provide at least 25 million of 80 million doses globally.
Source: LENA 24/07/2021

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