Coronavirus Vaccine – President Adama Barrow Takes First Shot, Launches campaign

The Gambia has on Wednesday began a national vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the Coronavirus in The country. An official ceremony was held at the State House in Banjul during which President Adama Barrow took his first shot of the AstraZeneca Vaccine. Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), Adama Barrow has assured that the vaccine is confirmed to be safe and effective in the prevention and control of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in The Gambia will prioritize “those who are highly at risk and the most vulnerable segments of the population“, according the President of The Gambia. These are the frontline health workers, those aged sixty-five (65) and above, and people with health conditions.

With the arrival of more vaccines, The Gambia will be expand its campaign to include other segments of the population.

“Our national scenario reflects the global situation, with loss of loved ones, friends and citizens both in the country and the Diaspora. The pandemic has taken its toll on virtually everyone, emotionally, socially, economically or otherwise. It is a relief, therefore, that suitable vaccines have been discovered, tested and approved by reliable experts. I am sure all of us wish that the vaccines were discovered earlier to save more lives” President Barrow said.

The Gambia has received 36,000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine under the Covax package and 10,000 doses of the Sino-Pharma vaccine from the Government of Senegal. The World Bank has provided resources to procure up to forty per cent (40%) of the country’s vaccine requirement. It will complement the twenty per cent (20%) already secured through the Covax arrangement.