Health workers to be the first to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Mbabane: As means to strengthen the health system in the country, the Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi has come to say that health workers are among those who will be the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as soon as its avail.

The minister said this during a press conference held on Monday at the cabinet offices, while giving the national COVID-19 updates. Nkosi said giving the vaccine to health care workers will be meant to strengthen the health system and to ensure an uninterrupted health care delivery service.

Earlier on the Minister had stated that about 200 000 EmaSwati will receive free covid-19 vaccine.

With regards to the vaccine priority allocation the minister has come out to say the ministry of health has already started to develop an allocation mechanism to target specific groups with the aim of reducing mortality and protecting the health system.

“Assessments on vaccine profile and logistics required for delivery of the vaccine to the population have also been conducted to inform the vaccine candidate that would work best for our population and fit our cold chain infrastructure.”

Nkosi said, Government is already drawing up plans to ensure that the country timely receives approved COVID-19 vaccines. She said Government is committed to procuring a COVID-19 vaccine when a viable candidate approved by appropriate bodies is available. Nkosi said, Government has already set aside funding and is engaging with various different partners to source additional funding to enable us to purchase the vaccines.

Nkosi highlighted that Eswatini government is committed to ensure procurement of the vaccine as soon as it approved by the relevant bodies.

The Minister of health further urged EmaSwati to act responsibly during the festive season. “Government has noted with concern the surge in COVID-19 infections over the past week. We wish to remind the nation that COVID-19 is still a major health threat.” she said

“We wish to emphasize the importance of staying safe. As we move around and about, doing our Christmas shopping and visiting relatives, let us not act recklessly as this is detrimental to ourselves and everyone else we may come into contact with.”