‘There should have been a more balanced and equitable distribution of vaccines across the World, to Africa which has been allocated only 1% of its vaccine requirement, as, in these trying times, it is fundamental that we encourage our populations to get vaccinated and achieve herd immunity at the earliest possible’.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, made this statement, today, during his intervention, via video conference, at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting.
Minister Ganoo highlighted that the COVID-19 vaccination in Mauritius started in January 2021 and as at date some 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. “We are aiming at vaccinating 60% of the population by the end of August 2021 and achieve herd immunity by September this year”, he stated. Mauritius, pointed out the Minister, succeeded in flattening the curb of the first COVID-19 wave that assailed the country last year, before facing a resurgence in the number of positive cases since March 2021.
Furthermore, the Minister informed that Mauritius has kick-started the process of manufacturing vaccines. He recalled that last week, Government issued an expression of interest for the development of a pharmaceutical industry and the setting up of a biotechnology plant in Mauritius. He called upon the private sectors of SADC countries with relevant experience in this field to express their interest in implementing this project which will benefit the region.
Minister Ganoo also underscored that Mauritius plans to welcome international travellers in July of this year. During this reopening phase, he emphasised, tourists who stay over 14 days, and have a negative PCR test result during testing in resort hotels, will be able to explore the island. In addition, as from October 2021, vaccinated travellers will be granted entry into the country without restrictions upon presentation of a negative PCR test undertaken within 72 hours before departure, he added.
Moreover, he seized this opportunity to express Mauritius’ gratitude to the European Union and to Germany for the support to the country’s local companies to produce essential supplies. He also commended the Indian Ocean Commission which has mobilised EUR 4 million from the Agence française de développement for the provision of medical supplies, which have benefited the four SADC Island States.
Before concluding, the Minister remarked that the effort of the SADC Secretariat in coordinating regional response to fight the COVID-19 pandemic deserves due consideration and appreciation.
