ISLAMABAD: Close to 2.5 million doses of Moderna vaccines from the US, which were donated under the COVAX programme, arrived in Pakistan on Friday.
According to a US Embassy statement, this donation is part of the 80 million doses the United States is sharing with the world, delivering on its pledge to facilitate equitable global access to safe and effective vaccines, which are essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The United States Mission to Pakistan is pleased to share these safe and effective vaccines with the people of Pakistan,” said US Embassy Chargé d’affaires Angela P Aggeler.
“These vaccines will save lives and help Pakistan emerge from this crisis, which has devastated so many families and communities in both our countries. A vaccinated public will also help bring back the economic and social interactions we all welcome. We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the Pakistani government and our international partners to make this delivery and these goals a reality.”
In addition to today’s vaccine donation, the statement added, the United States has delivered nearly $50 million in COVID-19 assistance through their partnership with the Pakistani government.
This is the first shipment of the two-dose Moderna vaccines that the county has received. It is the third non-Chinese vaccine now available in Pakistan.
Earlier, the UK-made AstraZeneca and US-made Pfizer were being used for inoculations in the country alongside China’s Sinopharm, Sinovac and Cansino vaccines.
The vaccine will also be used for the those looking to travel abroad as Chinese vaccines are not approved in many countries.
Later in the day, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said: "A welcome arrival to add to our covid vaccination efforts and reflective of Pak-US friendship."
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