President Adama Barrow on Wednesday became the first Gambian to get a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at State House and a raft of citizens including ministers, health workers and journalists quickly following suit.
President Barrow on Wednesday launched The Gambia’s National Vaccination Campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic at State House– where he assured citizens of the safety and effectiveness of the inoculation.
In launching the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the president said priority will be given to those who are highly at risk and the most vulnerable segments of the population.
“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 campaign will be expanded to include other segments of the population,” President Barrow said.
The Gambia recently received 36,000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine under the Covax package. President Barrow branded it as ‘remarkable’.
“Let me reassure you that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for the prevention and control of COVID-19,” the president said.
With the nation also receiving 10,000 doses of the Sino-Pharma vaccine from Senegal, the president also expressed appreciation to Senegal.
“I thank my brother, His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for this kind gesture,” the president said.
