Kyrgyzstan to receive 2.6M doses of AstraZeneca vaccine

Bishkek, July 31, 2021 . / Kabar / . The first batch of 226,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine under the COVAX mechanism arrived in Kyrgyzstan.

The vaccine handover ceremony was attended by Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the republic Zhyldyz Bakashova, representatives of international organizations and diplomatic missions.

Thus, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ambassador Eduard Auernoted noted the vaccine will be a significant help in the vaccination campaign in the country.

"We are happy to see improved vaccination rates in Kyrgyzstan, and we are confident that with this batch of vaccines, the campaign will be even more successful. And this is just the first phase, as we intend to deliver 2,600,000 doses in total, which will help protect 20% of Kyrgyzstanis from the virus," the head of the EU Delegation said.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet Zhyldyz Bakashova expressed gratitude to representatives from all member countries of the Coalition for their innovation in epidemic preparedness, the Global Alliance for Vaccination and UNICEF, and all representatives from diplomatic missions of COVAX member countries.

"I want to urge citizens to get vaccinated. Vaccination will protect you and the health of your loved ones," Bakashova added.

In addition, the official noted that in September 2020, Kyrgyzstan has officially become a member of COVAX platform, which covers 190 countries.

In conclusion, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan Ozonnia Ojielo noted that the COVAX mechanism supports equal and equitable access to coronavirus vaccines, which is one of the key conditions for ending the pandemic.

"Thanks to the joint efforts of UNICEF and WHO and other development partners that are part of the global COVOX initiative, we were able to support the Kyrgyz government in bringing vaccines to the country. Now everyone has to make the right decision: by getting vaccinated, we can help save the lives of our loved ones and protect them from COVID-19," Ojielo added.