Mauritius has received a donation of 50 000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines through the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) Facility from the Republic of South Africa.
A symbolical handing over ceremony was held this morning, in presence of the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Alan Ganoo and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of South Africa in Mauritius, Ms. Mbali Magagula.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, was also present on the occasion.
In his address, Minister Alan Ganoo extended his deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the generous donation of vaccines as well as to Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, African Union Champion for the COVID-19 and Chairman of the AVATT for his tireless efforts towards vaccine strategy and acquisition.
Minister Ganoo underlined that the actions of President Ramaphosa have been instrumental in unlocking external assistance to the continent, coordinating a continental response to the COVID-19 pandemic and championing vaccine equity within and between nations.
The donation from South Africa, he emphasised, is a significant demonstration of African solidarity and unity to address major continental challenges. The vaccines will no doubt assist us in increasing our objective of herd immunity amongst our population, affirmed Mr. Alan Ganoo.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also underlined the excellent bilateral relations underpinned by strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect that Mauritius and South Africa share.
As for Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, he stressed that the donation will undoubtedly contribute to reinforce Government’s National vaccination strategy, that has kickstarted since 26 January last.
He indicated that more than 62% of the total population has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and that the target is to vaccinate all those eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Health Minister announced that the High Level Committee on COVID-19 has taken into consideration the advice of the Vaccination Committee regarding the administration of a third dose of a vaccine, that will soon be made available to all those eligible.
Furthermore, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal expressed gratitude to all countries, including South Africa, who have provided assistance to Mauritius. He recalled that the South African authorities have also assisted Mauritius in the sequencing of positive cases as well as in the calibration of our laboratory equipment.
On her part, Ms. Mbali Magagula highlighted that it is a privilege for South Africa to hand over the vaccines to Mauritius which she underscored will back up the admirable efforts of Mauritius to maintain its status as one of the countries with the highest full vaccination rate in the world.
The donation, she pointed out, will complement the already great vaccination rollout that is being implemented under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and the National High-Level Committee on COVID-19.
She pointed out that South Africa feels honoured and privileged to be part of the Johnson and Johnson value chain and has been able to secure vaccines for the country as well as the rest of Africa.
‘We should continue to work together and ensure that our collective efforts lay the basis for a safer Africa and a safer world’, stated the Chargé d’Affaires.
