BANJUL, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The Gambian government has authorized the use of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in the country following its approval by the World Health Organization (WHO), the country's health ministry announced on Thursday.
"The public is hereby informed that the Medicine Control Agency of The Gambia has given authorization for the use of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine following World Health Organization's approval of the vaccine under the Emergency Use Listing (EUL), giving the green light for the vaccine to be rolled out globally," Gambian Ministry of Health said in a statement.
The ministry also informed the public of its plan to roll out the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine starting July 5.
"For one to be fully protected with the vaccine, individuals need to receive two doses with an interval of 3 to 4 weeks. The vaccine will be rolled out in the country, first starting in West Coast and Greater Banjul Area," said the ministry.
So far, more than 40,000 people have taken their first doses of AstraZeneca vaccine obtained through COVAX initiative, while just over 10,000 people have been fully vaccinated in The Gambia.
The Gambia has so far reported 6,024 positive cases of COVID-19, including 5,827 recoveries and 181 deaths. Enditem
