57,600 COVID-19 vaccine doses received today in Tripoli

Tripoli, Libya, 08 April 2021 – Today, the first shipment of COVAX procured COVID-19 vaccine containing 57,600 doses, arrived at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli. This first batch of vaccines has been earmarked for priority groups in Libya including Health workers in isolation and filtration centers, people above 75 years of age, people with chronic diseases, other health workers in the different Health facilities (other than isolation and filtration centers). The vaccines will be distributed to vaccination centres throughout the country, based on a distribution plan designed in coordination with the national health authorities in Libya. “We are delighted that the first batch of COVAX vaccines has arrived in Libya”, said Dr. Ali Al-Zinati, Minister of Health. “Libya is a self-financing participant in the COVAX Facility. Altogether, we have ordered enough doses of vaccine to immunize at least around 1,374,200 people. We expect additional doses to be delivered as early as the end of this month.” "This is a great step forward for Libya”, said Ms Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO Representative in Libya. “Vaccines are a critical new tool in the battle against COVID-19. However, for the foreseeable future, we must continue to wear masks, maintain physical distancing and avoid crowds. Being vaccinated does not mean that we can throw caution to the wind and put ourselves and others at risk.” “UNICEF is committed to continue its support to the Government of Libya i...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news