By Grace Kuria
Botswana on Saturday received 101,760 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
This being the first batch of the expected 401,280 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the Federal Republic of Germany.
Speaking after receiving the vaccines, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Edwin Dikoloti said every vaccine donated or purchased takes Botswana one step closer towards the goal of vaccinating at least over 80 percent of its eligible population by March 2022.
Minister Dikoloti revealed that to date 335,695 persons, which is more than 22% of the adult population have been fully vaccinated.
“I call upon all Batswana to heed His Excellency the President’s call for patience and restraint so that we can all defeat this virus, We should not tire from always strictly following all COVID-19 protocols, together we will truly defeat this pandemic.” The minister added.
“Germany strongly believes that vaccines against COVID-19 are a global public good because no one is safe until everyone is safe. Many thanks to UNICEF for ensuring timely delivery of these vaccines.” Germany ambassador to Botswana Margit Hellwig-Boette said.
Botswana has thus far recorded over 172,000 positive coronavirus cases and 2,343 deaths.