Ethiopia has received 10 million doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines and syringe donations from China this week.
The latest donation is a part of Beijing’s pledge to provide 25 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Ethiopia.
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“My great appreciation to the Government of China for the donation of 10 million doses of Sinopharm vaccines,” said health minister Dr. Lia Tadesse.
“This continued solidarity and support will enhance our efforts in protecting our communities,” the minister added.
To date, China has shared 14 million doses of vaccines with Ethiopia. Out of the 10 million vaccines of the latest donation, health officials say five million will be offered to mothers, children, and young people.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Zhao Zhiyuan said the newly arrived vaccine will help Ethiopian women and children protect from the coronavirus.
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Ethiopia is currently experiencing the fifth wave of the covid pandemic and has so far reported 487, 683 cases, 459, 717 recoveries and 7, 532 related fatalities.
Authorities believe Chinese donations would support Ethiopia’s efforts to tackle the pandemic and achieve 60% COVID-19 vaccination coverage by the end of the 2023 calendar year. The country has administered close to 52 million doses of the Covid vaccine so far and fully vaccinated over 42.5 million of its citizens against the coronavirus.
