PHNOM PENH– A new batch of two million doses of China-donated Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Cambodia yesterday, as the country planned to reopen its socio-economic activities in all areas by year’s end.
Cambodian Ministry of Health (MoH) secretary of state, Yok Sambath, told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport that, this donation is a new testament to the unbreakable ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China.
To date, Cambodia received a total of 37.6 million doses of vaccines from three sources through bilateral procurement, the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s COVAX Facility, and donations.
A total of 28.5 million doses, or 75.8 percent, were Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines procured from China, and 6.3 million doses, equivalent of 16.7 percent, were donated by China to Cambodia, according to the MoH.
Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive in Feb. As of Oct 13, the country had administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 13.5 million people, or 84 percent of its 16-million population, the MoH said.
Of them, 12.1 million, or 75.8 percent, had been fully vaccinated with both required shots, and 1.14 million, or 7.17 percent, had received a third dose or booster dose, it added.
Sambath said, thanks to its high vaccination coverage, the kingdom is expected to reopen its borders for fully vaccinated foreign tourists by the end of this year.
Government chief spokesman, Phay Siphan, said, the country has seen a “great success” in its vaccinations, thanks to the wise leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the strong support from China.
“I can say that our joint COVID-19 fight should serve as a role model for international cooperation,” he said.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Cambodia, Li Ailan, said, WHO has seen the impacts of Cambodia’s COVID-19 vaccinations, which helped the reductions of severe disease, hospitalisations, and deaths among those fully vaccinated.
“Cambodia’s high vaccination coverage provides a good basis for the reopening of economy and society safely and responsibly,” she said.
“However, COVID19 vaccination alone is not enough. We need a good combination of vaccination, public health and social measures, and health care capacity,” she added.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK