Tanzania receives one million Janssen Covid vaccine from the US

The government of Tanzania has been boosted in its fight against coronavirus following the donation of 1, 058,400 Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) vaccine from the government of the US.

The consignment was delivered on Saturday through COVAX in coordination with the African Union.

The donation is part of the US pledge to provide at least 25 million of 80 million doses globally to Africa. 

The US Ambassador to Tanzania Donald J. Wright who handed said over the donation said that it coordinated closely with the AU and Africa CDC on the country allocations of the jabs.

Ambassador Wright said the donation of the vaccine was another example of a 60-year partnership and its commitment to Tanzania.

“We are sharing these vaccines to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic.  Sharing these vaccines also serve as another example of the strength of our 60-year partnership and our commitment to Tanzania,” Wright said.

The consignment was received by Tanzanian Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima who expressed her gratitude to Joe Biden’s administration that ensured Tanzania is among the countries that benefit from its donation.

“I want to thank the government of the US for donating the vaccine through COVAXFacility which has ensured Tanzania becomes one of the countries o benefit from the program,” Dorothy said,

She asked Tanzanians to continue observing all the guidelines set out by the government to prevent the further spread of the virus even as they wait to be vaccinated.

The minister added that the government has fulfilled its promise to members of the public in delivering Covid vaccines as a way of protecting them from the deadly virus.

Also, Dorothy said that the vaccine is safe since it has been approved by World Health Organisation as well as Tanzanian health experts.

The ministry said that health workers and those aged 50 and above will be prioritised.