Different countries are announcing to have developed a break through vaccines for COVID-19 and countries are applying for dosages. Earlier this week, a letter surfaced on social media indicating that Uganda had already approved to import the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine.
Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary to the ministry of health has said that Gov’t is not importing the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine for use by Ugandans but for use by Chinese in Kapeeka who want to import it for Chinese nationals only.
“They (Chinese in Kapeeka) claim the vaccine is being used in their home country. This vaccine is still under research and not approved for use by World Health Organisation (WHO), Atwine said.
She however revealed that the MOH has applied and quantified the need for the COVID-19 vaccine through Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance which is approved for use by WHO.
“This process is in advanced stages and the public will be informed when the vaccine is in the country. Only vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health and WHO can be administered to the population of Uganda,” she said.
She added, “If all goes well the country will have its first dozes of a COVID-19 vaccine at the beginning of next year.”