Ethiopia introduces COVID-19 vaccine in a national launching ceremony

The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia launched the COVID-19 vaccine introduction in a high-level national event held at Eka Kotebe COVID-19 Hospital where frontline health workers were vaccinated to mark the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Present at the event was the Guest of Honor Excellency Dr. Getahun Mekuria, Minister of Education, Excellency Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ethiopia, Athlete Commander Derartu Tulu, Kesis Tagay Tadele, Secretary General of Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, representatives from the UN, CDC, non-governmental organizations and health workers.

Education Minister Excellency Dr. Getahun Mekuria appreciated the contribution of the global community, WHO, and others for their role in providing vaccines to Ethiopia through the COVAX initiative. He further expressed his appreciation to the Ethiopian health professionals for their service in fighting the pandemic over the last one year and reiterated the notable investment that the government, health institutes, and universities have made towards making the country self-sufficient in COVID testing and treatment. The Minister further underscored, “With the introduction of vaccines, we are now at a landmark stage in the response to COVID-19, but vaccines will be of sideline use if face masks, keeping distance, and hand hygiene are not maintained,” expressing his concern that the continued reluctance in implementing those precautions would be a threat to the country’s health system, and economic and social fabrics.