- The first phase of vaccination against Covid-19 started in Rwanda with 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine
- The Ministry of Health stated that the limited initial doses acquired through the international partnership will soon be supplemented to expand the vaccination exercise
The First phase of vaccination against Covid-19 started in Rwanda with 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The first and primary beneficiaries included high-risk groups like health and frontline workers who will get it free.
The Ministry of Health stated that the limited initial doses acquired through international partnership will soon be supplemented to expand the vaccination exercise. Between February and March, Rwanda expects to receive at least 996,000 doses of AstraZeneca and 102,960 doses of the Pfizer vaccine which will be used for the second phase of vaccination to be received through the Covax Facility, a global initiative for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines. The Health Ministry added that Rwanda is fully geared up for the Covid-19 vaccination plan with the required infrastructure, protocols, and personnel. Ultra-cold freezers and containers were kept ready in each province for proper storage and distribution of vaccines.
With a view to relax the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the pandemic, a mass testing exercise for Kigali city residents with coronavirus symptoms and contacts of Covid-19 patients were rolled out. The process is expected to guide the restrictions and reopen the economy. Rwanda has reported a total of 17,267 positive cases since the pandemic was first reported in the country with 236 deaths. Rwanda targets to vaccinate 20 percent of the population in 2021 and eight million people in two years, according to the Health Ministry.
