Cameroonian PM receives China-donated COVID-19 vaccine at airport

A batch of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Chinese government to Cameroon arrived in the country's capital Yaounde on April 11. This was the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine Cameroon received from other countries after the pandemic outbreak in the country.

[Photo/Chinese embassy in Cameroon]

Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, Health Minister Mama Fouda, other high-level governmental officials and representatives of some international organizations including the World Health Organization received the vaccine at the airport.

On behalf of their respective governments, Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon Wang Yingwu and Mama Fouda signed a handover certificate for the donated vaccine.

[Photo/Chinese embassy in Cameroon]

Ngute said that Cameroon speaks highly of and sincerely thanks China for its vaccine donation which is another demonstration of the two nations' friendship.

Vaccines are the best way to defeat the pandemic, he said, adding that he is ready to be inoculated with Chinese vaccine at any time. The Cameroonian government is going to distribute the vaccine nationwide and medical workers will have priority to receive vaccination.

Wang said that China's vaccines are safe, effective and widely trusted by the international community. He said he believes that the vaccines could provide strong help to Cameroon in its fight against the pandemic.

China has kept its word and worked hard to promote equitable distribution of vaccines globally, especially in developing countries, Wang said. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Cameroon and China is willing to deepen cooperation with Cameroon in various fields including public health.