360,000 doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi. The vaccines were donated by the Government of Denmark and transported by UNICEF.
The flight was met at the airport by senior Kenya Government officials led by Ministry of Health PS Susan Mochache, Danish Ambassador to Kenya Ole Thonke, UNICEF Representative to Kenya Maniza Zaman, and WHO Representative to Kenya Dr. Rudi Eggers.
“The Government of Kenya is very grateful to Denmark for this generous donation, which will support the further roll-out of our national COVID-19 vaccination program,” PS Mochache said.
The rollout of the national vaccination campaign is being led by the Ministry of Health, with support from GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners.
The Ministry of Health recently announced the start of second doses for health workers, teachers, other essential workers, and people aged over 58.
As well as procuring and transporting vaccines, UNICEF is providing support to the Ministry of Health in the areas of planning, cold chain capacity, risk communication, and community engagement.
“UNICEF is delighted to once again be supporting the Government of Kenya in procuring and transporting these vital COVID-19 vaccines. These will undoubtedly save lives, help keep health and other essential services running safely and support the recovery from the consequences of the pandemic,” UNICEF Representative to Kenya Maniza Zaman said.
Barbara Nel, Africa region Country President, AstraZeneca, said, “The arrival of a further 360,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Nairobi is very good news for the people of Kenya. On behalf of AstraZeneca, I would like to thank Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe for making this possible. Our vaccine accounts for over 90% of COVAX supply to date, with more than 77 million doses delivered to 127 countries, including more than 38 African countries.”
“All partners in the vaccine alliance are working round the clock to ensure that as many COVID-19 vaccines can get to African nations as soon as possible. Today’s arrival in Nairobi demonstrates the value of governments, industry, and others working together to address our continent’s urgent needs,” added Barbara.
