Namibia on Thursday received 15 000 doses of Sputnik V vaccine, donated by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, to assist Namibia in vaccinating 60 per cent of its population by March 2022, in the quest to achieve herd immunity.
The donations expands the variety of vaccines available in Namibia, as the country already has Sinopharm and AstraZeneca in stock.
In a media statement issued on Friday, Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, said Serbia is donating a total 30 000 doses, which will arrive in two parts.
He said the reminder of 15 000 doses shall be delivered in the coming weeks.
“Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured by Gamaleya National Centre in Federal Republic of Russia, and is approved to be used in Namibia as per the provisions of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, Act 13 of 2003,” he noted.
Nangombe also highlighted that the Government of Serbia paid for all transportation costs for the vaccine to Namibia, adding that the government is busy with logistics to roll out the Sputnik V vaccine nationally. The public shall be informed when the vaccination with this vaccine will commence.
“Namibia is grateful for this generous gesture from the Government of Serbia. This support is a demonstration of true solidarity, especially during this time, when we are confronted with combating the devastating effects of COVID-19 in our country,” he added.
The Namibia Press Agency
