Haiti begins its COVID-19 vaccine drive from Friday

Haiti started its vaccination process after the country recently received 5,00,000 doses from the United Nations on Friday, 16th July 2021.

Saturday, 17th July 2021

Port Au Prince (Haiti): Haiti started its vaccination process after the country recently received 5,00,000 doses from the United Nations on Friday, 16th July 2021. According to health authorities, they will prioritise Health care workers and senior citizens as the 1st priority. Notably, COVDID-19 vaccinations were given to more than 30 people at the Hospital University of Peace in the capital of Port Au Prince under the supervision of Haiti''s Health Ministry, the Pan American Health Organization said. Also, on Wednesday, Haiti got its first vaccine doses since the pandemic began as part of a US donation to the United Nations'' COVAX program for low-income countries. A PAHO spokesperson previously noted that they are all Moderna vaccines. "Vaccinations will continue through the weekend", PAHO added. Haiti has recorded more than 19,300 confirmed COVDI-19 cases and more than 480 deaths amid the biggest wave of coronavirus cases as the pandemic began. Many of the Experts believe those numbers are widely underreported since there is scant testing in Haiti, which has higher than 11 million people. PAHO further pointed out this week that it was worried about the thousands of Haitians who have lost their homes amid a fresh spike in gang violence & are now crammed into crowded shelters it said could become “active hot spots” for coronavirus transmission. Also, Haiti is now grappling with the aftermath of the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The vaccinations started nearly two months after the government announced a health emergency and imposed a curfew and safety measures. Face masks are needed to enter some businesses, but few Haitians are following the measures despite crowded buses & marketplaces. Moreover, health experts have warned that authorities need to step up educational campaigns during widespread distrust of the COVID vaccine and of government officials.