Algeria has received a donation of 200,000 doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China. The shipment was received on Wednesday evening at the military airport in Boufarik, Blida province. The reception ceremony was attended by Algerian Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson Ammar Belhimer, as well as the Chinese Ambassador to Algeria. This donation is part of China's efforts to support Algeria's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sinopharm vaccine is expected to complement Algeria's existing COVID-19 prevention and control measures. According to Minister Belhimer, this delivery is part of a larger process that will continue until the country's needs are fully met by the end of the year. He expressed his gratitude to the Algerian People's National Army (ANP) for their efforts in ensuring the safe delivery of the vaccines.
Minister Belhimer also called on citizens to continue respecting COVID-19 prevention measures and precautions. The Algerian government has been working to secure sufficient vaccine supplies to immunize its population. A letter of thanks from Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad to his Chinese counterpart was handed over to the Chinese Ambassador during the ceremony.
Chinese Ambassador Li Lianhe stated that the vaccine donation demonstrates the solidarity and cooperation between China and Algeria in the fight against COVID-19. He noted that this is not the first instance of Chinese support, as China has previously provided Algeria with medical equipment, including masks, respirators, and test kits.
This shipment of Sinopharm vaccines is the largest Algeria has received so far. Previously, the country received two shipments of 50,000 doses each of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and another 50,000 doses of the Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca vaccine. Algeria is expecting further vaccine deliveries, including 700,000 to 800,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX global initiative.
According to the Minister of Health, Population, and Hospital Reform, more vaccine shipments are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The Algerian government has been working to secure vaccine supplies from various sources to meet the country's needs. The vaccination campaign aims to immunize a significant portion of the population and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to Algeria and the global community. The country's efforts to secure vaccine supplies and implement prevention measures are crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. International cooperation and solidarity, as demonstrated by China's donation, play a vital role in supporting countries in their fight against the pandemic.
Key points
- Algeria receives 200,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China
- The vaccine donation demonstrates solidarity and cooperation between China and Algeria
- Algeria expects further vaccine deliveries through COVAX and other sources
