60pc population to get Covid-19 vaccine in stages: MoPH

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Tuesday said that 60 percent of the country’s population would be vaccinated against Covid-19 infection in phases.

The ministry announced the end of the second wave of the virus but warned recklessness could cause the third wave of the pandemic in the country.

Acting Public Health Minister Dr. WaheedMajroh told reporters here that efforts would be made give the vaccine to 20 percent population of the country in the first phase.

“At international level, resources have been explored through which poor nations would be provided with coronavirus vaccine for their 20 percent populations. For this purpose, $112 million has been pledged for each country,” he said.

He said in the second phase, another 20 percent population would be given the vaccine and for this the World Bank had pledged $60 million and the Asian Development Bank $50 million.

He said the vaccine would be administered to health officials and most vulnerable people in the first stage.

The EU has already pledged 35 million Euros to Afghanistan in fight against coronavirus and reducing its social and economic affects.

According to the acting health minister, as a result of efforts that are underway, the coronavirus vaccine may arrive in Afghanistan before six months.

Nh/ma