PHOTO; Plane that brought in the COVID-19 vaccines at the RIA
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
As the world continues to battle the COVID 19 pandemic with death toll rising by the day, Liberia has received its first batch of consignment of the COVID 19 vaccines through the COVAX initiative, with a larger consignment due to arrive in the future.
The consignment arrived in this West African county late Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Robert International Airport outside Monrovia.
The vaccine contained 96,000 doses, which is expected to be distributed within in the next five or ten days.
Handing over the vaccines to the Liberian government through the Ministry of health and its partner was UNICEF deputy Country Representative for programs Mr. Samuel Mawun Mawonganidze said it is a historic day for to receive their first portion of the COVID 19 vaccines something he described as good start.
The UNICEF deputy Country Representative the present of the vaccines shouldn’t forget to adhere to the health protocols that is already put in place to curtrial the COVID 19 pandemic.
As speaking during the turning over ceremony was Liberia’s Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Kamayah said he was pleased to receive this significant achievement and mile Stone in the fight against the global pandemic (COVID 19).
Minister Kamayah further stated that the 96,000 doses is an initial consignment of the 3.84,000 doses intended for Liberia adding that what they have received is through the astute leadership of President Weah in the fight against COVID 19.
He indicated that containing the virus in Liberia takes leadership and not ordinary person and added receiving the vaccines should not make complacent in their fight against the virus and they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the health protocols are adhered to.
Amb. Kamayah also assured citizens to do away with conspiracy theories or myth against the vaccines and said the vaccines have been tested, proven, very much fit to be utilized and it is the government of Liberia primary responsibility is to ensure the health of its citizens is maintained.
For his part, United States Ambassador Mr. Micheal A. McCarthy he very pleased to see the US government through USAID is providing support to MOH COVID 19 Vaccines deployment plan.
Amb. McCarthy revealed that the next step will be the most critical logistics support and corrective measures to the public so that the vaccines will get to those who need it the most.
He maintained that the US government commitment of 4bn to support COVID 19 vaccines distribution was built on decades of US investment in global health and organizations and demonstrate, administer and commitment in strengthen multilateral and corporation in global health.
The US ambassador said he hope that Liberia will take the vaccines if they are given the opportunity and urged Liberia to continue with the health protocols together to end this nightmare (COVID 19).
Also speaking was the Ambassador for Germany Mr. Hubert Jager said he look forward to continue their corporation with the government of Liberia through the dedicated leadership of President Weah.
Amb. Jager expressed that partner is based on genuine need and mutual respect and also on transparency, credibility, proper governance, rule of law and proper prioritization as well as fiscal responsibility and sustainability by the entire boiling politics including the of legislature and the judiciary.
He therefore called on Liberia to think positive and stay from negative and follow of the health protocols.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina S. Jallah lauded the government of Liberia and their International partners for possible the availability of the COVID 19 vaccines.
Dr. Jallah revealed that health workers, people in their 60s and above along with people who have complicated health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and heart diseases will be prioritized.
Liberia’s Health Minister said when the health workers are safe, they will be able to safe others.
She disclosed that the next category of people will be people who are expose like the police, soldiers, Ministers, members of the Legislature, among others.
Others who graced the occasion are Mr. Niels Scott, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Joseph N. Simwarbi chairman on Helath, house of Representative and Jane Macaulay Director General, National Public Health Institute of Liberia and others.