Following the arrival of the China donated, 50,000 Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday evening, the official transfer certificate for the handing over and receiving of the vaccines have been signed this afternoon (12 April) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Mr. Li Ming and the Health Minister Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana signed the transfer certificate, that was witnessed by the Honorable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with the presence of officials from the government and PRC.
At the signing event, PRC Ambassador Mr. Li Ming highlighted that China is very pleased to be donating the consignment of the vaccines to Solomon Islands.
“In China we are also working hard to vaccinate our population against COVID-19 nevertheless we remain committed and dedicated to our friendship, partnership and cooperation with Solomon Islands government and people thus the donation of 50,000 Sinopharm vaccines”,
The Sinopharm vaccines have been roll out globally to over 50 countries around the world with around 80 million doses already administered world-wide.
“ Solomon Islands is actually the first in the Pacific Island Country to receive our support with regards to COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to support the overall COVID-19 response and the roll out of vaccines to ensure that we all come out of this pandemic together, more stronger and resilient ”, said Ambassador Li.
In his response to Ambassador Li, Health Minister Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana acknowledged the kinds words highlighted in the remarks of the Ambassador and acknowledged the continued dedication and commitment towards the country’s efforts to vaccinate its population.
“Your Excellency we remain deeply appreciative towards the support rendered by the Government and people of China, more especially when you yourselves are striving to vaccinate your population against COVID-19. Thank you so much for finding the space in your hearts to also think of us in our efforts to vaccinate our people”,
“There is more work to be done and we are working hard to generate demand for the vaccines and also ensure that these demands are met with sufficient supplies of vaccines, thus the 50,000 vaccines will greatly contribute towards this endeavor”.
Dr Togamana explained that the Sinopharm vaccines will be kept at the National Medical Store pending approval from WHO before roll out is commenced as per the Sinopharm roll out plan currently being compiled by health team.
“Thank you to China President Xi Jingping, Government and people of China, Thank you so much!”, stated Dr Togamana.
MHMS Press