MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somalia will tomorrow start the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for frontline health workers in a bid to fight back the pandemic that already killed 367 people in the country.
Addressing the media in Mogadishu Airport during the arrival the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine in the country, Health Minister Fazwia Abikar said the government had already trained 2,000 health workers who will kick-start the vaccination exercise on March 16.
The Minister paid tributes to health workers in the country for their efforts in combating the disease that has in the last one month resurged and is fast spreading.
“I call on all healthcare workers and people at high-risk who have been prioritized to receive vaccines from this batch so we can protect our health workforce, other front line workers and high-risk people,” the minister said.
Swan urged Somalis to take the vaccine once they get the opportunity but noted other health measures must be adhered to without fail.
“We encourage people to take the vaccine; we encourage people to continue with all possible preventive measures,” said Swan adding ‘The vaccine will help but it is not the only solution.”
The ministry of health said, a total of 9,190 cases have been confirmed since mid-March last year when the country recorded its first case.
61 more people were reported to have recovered from the disease; hence the total number of recoveries is now at 4,230.
Unfortunately, 18 people have succumbed to coronavirus in the country, the total number of fatalities now being 367.
This month, the Somali government announced suspension on schools and universities for two weeks due to a surge in COVID-19 infections.
The government also banned public gatherings and demonstrations in the country.
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