Ghana has received 350,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to kickstart the second phase of its COVID-19 vaccination exercise.
The shipment is the second largest after the initial 600,000 vaccines that were delivered to the country in February.
The vaccines which were delivered are limited in quantity as against the 850,000 persons who have currently been vaccinated in the country.
Delays in procuring the second jab of the vaccines sparked some concerns among Ghanaians and health experts as the stipulated eight weeks interval between the first and the second administering of the dose was extended by four more weeks.
The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu explained that the delay was due to the difficulties on the part of India to produce more of the AstraZeneca vaccines.
“The vaccines we were expecting to be delivered by Covax in April and May have delayed because of challenges in India. India has stopped exports.” he said.
He also cited vaccine availability and payment structures as part of the reasons the country delayed in securing the second dose
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health,Kwabena Boadu Afari , who received the consignment at the Kotoka International Airport earlier today explained that this was only the first consignment and more were expected to come.
“We have taken delivery of this so we can start with the second dose of vaccination of those who started and we are still hoping that very soon we can get more for those who will be taking the second dose of the vaccine. We are expecting more from the Covax platform and we are still engaging with them to deliver what we require” he said
Kwabena Boadu Afari, gave the assurance that the Ministry was using all options available to them to secure more of the vaccines to cater for the deficit in the numbers.
“We are in touch with the UK, the manufacturers themselves to be able to get the amount required for the second vaccination,” said the Chief Director