The People’s Republic of China stands with Mauritius in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and as such, Mauritius has procured another batch of 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines, in addition to the 1,100,000 doses previously received from China.
The vaccines, together with a consignment of 225,000 Rapid Antigen Tests, arrived this morning at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Plaisance, on an Air Mauritius flight from China and will be used in the national vaccination campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this context, a symbolic handing over ceremony was held, today, at the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, in Port-Louis. The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Liying Zhu, and other personalities were present on the occasion.
In his address, Minister Ganoo expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its support to Mauritius in these trying times. This consignment bears testimony to the strong friendly relationship between the two countries, he added. This relationship, according to him, will enable Mauritius to envisage the opening of its borders as from 01 October 2021 despite the difficult situation around the world.
He also underlined that even though Mauritians have been following all preventive measures as advised by public health experts such as the wearing of masks, regular washing of hands and social distancing, it is necessary to get vaccinated. Mr Ganoo therefore reiterated his appeal to the population to be inoculated so as to allow the country tackle the challenges facing its economic development.
For his part, Minister Jagutpal underscored that the hard work of all stakeholders is paying off as Mauritius is among the few countries around the world which has succeeded in fully vaccinating more than 60% of its population against the COVID-19. These vaccines, he stated, will enable the country to accelerate its national vaccination campaign, which is currently ongoing.
Furthermore, Dr Jagutpal acknowledged the precious support and collaboration of the People’s Republic of China for having facilitated the purchase of vaccines and other medical products at a time when it was very challenging to even gain access to the market.
As for Ambassador Zhu, he underlined that this fourth consignment of Sinopharm vaccines sent to Mauritius from China demonstrates the good diplomatic relationship between the two countries. China, he added, will continue to assist developing countries, including Mauritius, in containing the pandemic.
He informed that China’s contribution in the global fight against the COVID-19 comprises not only a donation to the tune of $100 million to COVAX and offering medical and sanitary equipment, but also and above all, to make provision of as much vaccines as possible and to promote access and equal distribution of vaccines everywhere.
