Democratic Republic of the Congo
DRC Kicks Off COVID-19 Vaccination Drive For High-Priority Groups In Kinshasa
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday launched the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for high-priority groups in the capital Kinshasa, reported Africa News.
The country of more than 80 million people received 1.7 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses last month through COVAX initiative, which aims to provide 20 percent of the population of nearly 200 countries with coronavirus vaccines this year.
The DRC Health Minister Eteni Longondo launched the campaign at the University Clinics of Kinshasa. Some diplomats including the representative of the EU were present at the launching of the vaccination campaign.
“We invite people to be vaccinated because this vaccine is effective,” Longondo said.
The minister ensured that the authorities have taken necessary arrangements in the event of possible complications.
“No one will be safe until everyone is safe. Vaccination is one of the most effective and safe public health interventions,” the DRC health minister added.
COVID-19 vaccination campaigns around the world have been affected due to blood clot concerns over the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca jabs.
The DRC government had postponed the vaccination drive from 15 March as a precaution after the reports of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccines emerged. The decision to postpone the vaccination campaign was taken after several other countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
In an interview with African News, Interior Minister Gilbert Kankonde said a team of Congolese experts underwent a detailed analysis into the efficacy of the vaccine and has reassured that the AstraZeneca vaccine does not present any inconvenience to the population.
In the voluntary vaccination drive, priority will be given to healthcare personnel, vulnerable people, those with chronic illnesses and all those who are greatly exposed while carrying out their work.
The DRC has reported 28,956 COVID-19 cases, with 745 deaths, since the start of the pandemic last year.
