Govt clarifies on importation of Chinese vaccine for COVID-19

The Government has clarified on the COVID-19 vaccine that the Chinese intend to import and give to their nationals, warning Ugandans against using it.
 
The Director-General of Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa, on Wednesday evening noted: "The Ministry of Health has noted that social media is awash with letters titled, ‘Authorisation to import COVID-19 vaccines for Liao Shen Industrial Park. Kapeeka through Sino Africa Medicines and Health Ltd,' with some people asking why not import the same for Ugandans."

Mwebesa said: "The ministry would like to clarify that all the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine is still under research. It is not approved for use by World Health Organisation (WHO). We are not sure of its potency or safety, hence the Government cannot import it for use by Ugandans." 

"The Chinese in Kapeeka want to import the vaccine for use by Chinese nationals only, since they claim they are already using it in their home country," he added.

Uganda applies for vaccine 

Mwebesa said: "For Ugandans, the Ministry has quantified and applied for the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine through the Global Alliance for vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) and the process is in advanced stage. This is a vaccine which the Government is aware has gone through WHO clearance and approval."

He said the public will soon be informed when the vaccine will arrive in the country. 

"It is important to note that only drugs approved by the ministry of health can be administered to the population in Uganda."