DILI, 10 may 2021 (TATOLI)- The Ministry of Health (MS) launched the second phase of the AstraZeneca vaccination campaign with the 20 thousand doses coming from Australia, giving priority to the population over 60 and people with comorbidities.
The Minister of Health (MS), Odete Belo, declared that the vaccine against covid-19 granted by the Australian Government was also made available through the COVAX mechanism, the difference being only in the place of production.
According to the minister, Australia offered its first 20 thousand doses of the vaccine, which allowed the ministry to launch the campaign today.
The Australian ambassador, Peter Roberts, recalled that this batch of AstraZeneca vaccine arrived last week.
“I congratulate Timor-Leste on successfully implementing the vaccination through the COVAX mechanism”, he said.
The country begun its first covid inoculation drive on april 7 at the Centro de Saúde Formosa, in Dili.
In this first phase, priority groups were allowed access to the vaccine, namely health professionals, the frontline team, the population over 60, and those suffering from coronary heart disease, as well as those who are at risk of contagion. In the second phase, the eligible population over the age of 18 will be vaccinated.
It is recalled that the first batch of vaccines from AstraZeneca, in a total of 24 thousand doses, reached Timor-Leste on April 5. The COVAX mechanism financed the 20% related to the purchase of the AstraZeneca vaccine at seven million US dollars. This percentage is equivalent to about 263 thousand doses. The country has already received the first batch of vaccines through COVAX and the rest will arrive in stages.
The administration of the first batch of the vaccine reached 28,678 people across the territory.
It is also recalled that the Australian Executive has undertaken to support Timor-Leste in financing 80% of the procurement of vaccines against covid-19, the equivalent of approximately US $ 18.6 million.
Journalist: Nelia Fernandes
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
