France has donated 38,400 doses of Astrazeneca to The Gambia.

The vaccine is expected to arrive in the country on Sunday.

The Ministry of Health said the donation will significantly close the gap of achieving the country’s Covid-19 vaccination target.

“With the support from the COVAX Facility, the vaccine will be arriving in the country on Sunday 22nd August 2021 and will be received at the Banjul International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Health, other Government Officials, French Embassy in The Gambia and Development Partners,” Health official Modou Njai said in a statement.

“In light of this development, the Ministry is hereby calling on all those who have not received their second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to immediately visit the vaccination centers starting Monday 23rd August to get their full AstraZeneca Vaccine doses.

“The Government of the Gambia hereby extends sincere thanks to the Government of France, particularly the French Embassy in The Gambia, for their generous contribution in providing these lifesaving vaccines to the people of The Gambia. Also, sincere thanks and appreciation is extended to our esteem partners, WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, CEPI and WB for the continued technical and financial support towards the country’s COVID-19 response,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba