Côte d’Ivoire began its COVID-19 vaccination campaign with COVAX-provided doses on March 1, 2021, prioritizing healthcare workers. The effort supports the fight against the pandemic and highlights international cooperation in vaccine distribution. Preparations included training for vaccinators and establishing cold storage for the vaccines, with optimism expressed by health officials for a successful campaign.
On March 1, 2021, Côte d’Ivoire commenced its COVID-19 vaccination campaign with doses provided by COVAX, aiming to protect healthcare workers. This initiative coincides with the delivery of an additional 11 million COVAX doses expected within the week. The country’s vaccination efforts mark a critical milestone in the global fight against COVID-19, as Côte d’Ivoire is one of the first nations in Africa to receive these vaccines.
Richard K Bell, the US Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the historical significance of this day for global health efforts during the vaccination campaign’s launch. He emphasized the US commitment to the COVAX initiative, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in combating the pandemic. Meanwhile, Patrick Achi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Chief of Staff, became the first recipient of the COVAX vaccine, signaling its safety and efficacy.
Côte d’Ivoire’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout is the first to utilize vaccines delivered through COVAX, characterized as the largest and swiftest global vaccine deployment. Preparations at Abidjan’s Parc des Sports involved training vaccinators and preparing logistical support; approximately 504,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine were set to be administered, primarily to frontline workers.
Dr. Aka Desquith, Head of Logistics at the EPI, reassured that the management of the COVAX vaccine aligns with established protocols for other vaccines, maintaining a temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Prof. Isaac Tiembre, overseeing vaccinator training at the National Institute of Public Hygiene, expressed confidence in the preparedness of their qualified staff and logistics for a successful vaccination campaign.
The 504,000 doses of COVAX vaccines were delivered to a cold chain storage facility in Abidjan, ensuring their safety and efficacy. These vaccines, requiring proper refrigeration, are crucial for the health of communities, especially in the COVID-19 epicenter. A fleet of refrigerated trucks, financed by Gavi, will distribute vaccines across the region, prioritizing healthcare workers.
As COVID-19 vaccines land in Côte d’Ivoire, health officials are keen to mitigate the pandemic’s impact, which has significantly affected lives and economies. Salimatou Dia from Radiodiffusion Television Ivoirienne remarked on the urgency to end the epidemic, noting the vaccine’s timely arrival amidst the ongoing health crisis. Overall, the COVAX initiative represents critical international collaboration in response to the global pandemic, paving the way for equitable vaccine distribution.
Côte d’Ivoire launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign with COVAX doses, marking a historic event in Africa’s battle against the pandemic. The initiative underlines the importance of international cooperation in vaccine distribution, aiming to protect healthcare workers as a priority. The successful execution of this campaign depends on the preparedness of healthcare staff and logistical systems, critical in ensuring the vaccines are effectively administered and reach those in need.
Original Source: www.gavi.org
