First COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Djibouti

Djibouti is the second country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to receive vaccines against COVID-19 following the arrival of a first shipment of AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India (SII) vaccine at Djibouti International Airport. The vaccines were delivered with UNICEF’s support through COVAX.

A coalition co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) that ensures fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to countries regardless of their income.

The delivery follows the arrival of a quantity of syringes, part of a Gavi-funded and supported global stockpile, that UNICEF delivered on behalf of the COVAX Facility last Saturday 27th February 2021.

WHO has worked with national authorities to put a vaccination strategy in place that includes training vaccinators, ensuring vaccine safety, and surveillance for adverse effects.

This first shipment of vaccines will support the vaccination of health care workers, people over 50 years of age and people with comorbidities.

Through this contribution and Djibouti’s commitment to continue its efforts to curb and end the pandemic, the country aims to ensure the continuity of facilities and access to essential services.