Fifth shipment of Covid-19 vaccine arrives from China

The Chinese government has provided another 1 million doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine and medical equipment including syringes to bolster Laos’ efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The vaccine will be sufficient to immunise another 500,000 people against the virus.
The fifth shipment of China’s Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Vientiane on Saturday.   

The vaccines were provided under a Covid-19 response grant from China. Present at Wattay International Airport to receive the shipment were officials from the Chinese Embassy to Laos and Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaisith.
This assistance is critical for the Lao government, as well as the Lao people, and motivates them to continue the fight against the virus. These vaccines will assist Laos in more effectively responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.
China is willing to work with Laos to contribute to the betterment of human health and benefit people around the world, according to a press release from China Radio International (CRI).
The government of Laos appreciates China’s support and is confident that the provision of Chinese medical experts and supplies will help Laos win the fight against the pandemic, similar to 2020 when Laos was able to keep the virus in check.
In May this year the Chinese government sent medical supplies including face masks, medical gowns, test equipment, and other essential equipment for treatment purposes.
China’s assistance over past years reflects the concern, attention and care of the Party, government and people of China towards Laos, according to the CRI report. In addition to the vaccines provided by China, the USA, Russia and the UK, Laos has also received the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine through the COVAX Facility, a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation.
From March to August 7, 2021, Laos has received Covid-19 vaccines from China, the UK government, Russia, and aid from friendly countries via the COVAX Facility totalling about 4,419,060 doses.
These are the Sinopharm, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine donated by the United States government, according to the Mother and Child Health Centre.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update August 8, 2021)