China-donated COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Grenada

A shipment of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China to Grenada arrived in the latter's capital on April 19.

Chinese Ambassador to Grenada Wei Hongtian and Grenadian Health Minister Nickolas Steele attended the handover ceremony for the shipment of vaccines and signed a handover certificate between the two governments.

Wei said that the Chinese government has effectively fulfilled its solemn commitment to make vaccines a global public good, to ensure vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries, and to achieve fair and reasonable distribution of vaccines worldwide.

China so far has provided over 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations, making it the largest provider of vaccines to foreign countries, said Wei, adding that this vividly illustrates China's concept of putting people first, putting lives first, and bridging the immunization gap.

Wei said that he believes the vaccines donated by China will help Grenada build a strong defense against COVID-19 and protect people's lives and health, adding that China is willing to work side by side with Grenada to fight against the pandemic and further deepen medical and health cooperation between the two countries to overcome COVID-19 together.

Steele said China has actively promoted international anti-pandemic cooperation while achieving domestic achievements, and has assisted many countries with medical equipment and COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating its role as a responsible major nation.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has sent many shipments of masks, protective clothing, testing reagents, medical equipment and other anti-pandemic materials to Grenada, which have played an important role in helping the Grenadian government fight COVID-19 and restore the post-pandemic economy, Steele said.

He added that this shipment of vaccines will strongly facilitate Grenadian vaccination work, enhance the country's anti-pandemic capability and benefit its people.

Steele expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their selfless assistance on behalf of the Grenadian government and people.