20th August 2021
Own Correspondent
The United States Government today donated 81,900 doses of Pfizer to Botswana to augment the US$3.5million previously donated to Botswana’s COVID-19 response with US$2.5million for health facility and community response and US$1million to support vaccination programs.
“Like the United States, Botswana has faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this donation of the Pfizer vaccine, Botswana will be one step closer to defeating the corona virus,” said Craig Cloud, United States Ambassador to Botswana.
He said, “This vaccine shipment will also enable the rebuilding of Botswana’s economy. To date, the United States government has contributed US$12.4million to fight the corona virus in Botswana. These funds have been used to construct COVID-19 isolation facilities, improve emergency supply chains and address HIV-related COVID-19 issues.”
According to officials more than 260 000 people in Botswana have received their first dose; while just over 160 000 of those being fully vaccinated with the donated consignment designed to grow the numbers growing exponentially with the vaccine rollout allegedly adversely affected by the insufficient supply from global vaccine manufacturers.
“Every dose received represents “hope of a life saved,” as we race towards getting every eligible
person vaccinated as soon as vaccines arrive into the country,” said Slumber Tsogwane, Vice President of Botswana, in thank you remarks at central medical stores.
