15 Aug 2021

The first consignment of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine comprising 108 000 doses arrived in Botswana on Thursday.

Speaking during the arrival of the consignment at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said more than 108 000 people would be fully vaccinated.

He thanked the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) for making it possible,  noting that AVATT was an African Union initiative to avail vaccines to the African continent.

For his part, Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said the efforts were an indication of government’s resolve to save the lives of Batswana as stated by the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi that such was a top priority for government.

Mr Lelatisitswe said AVATT complemented COVAX efforts by focusing on the African Continent which had been lagging behind in its vaccination roll out programmes on account of inadequate supply of vaccines.

Regarding setting up vaccine manufacturing plants in Africa, Mr Lelatisitswe said efforts were already underway and encouraged the private sector in Botswana to also consider doing the same.

AVATT Southern Africa Regional collaborator, Dr Lul Riek confirmed vaccines effectiveness and safety.

He said AVATT was working on ensuring that it achieved its mandate of building AU countries’ health systems by ascertaing that every member state received the vaccines.

Dr Riek said already, they had rolled out the vaccines in Angola and Lesotho and their strategy of not leaving any country behind was bearing fruit.

He appreciated Botswana’s commitment to save lives. ENDS