Libya launches long delayed COVID-19 vaccination

Libya’s new unity government launched a long delayed COVID-19 vaccination programme after receiving 160,000 vaccine doses over the past week.

Prime Minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh called it a blessed day in the fight against COVID-19 after receiving his jab on a live television without saying which vaccine he had been given.

The Health Minister, Ali al-Zanati said, “Through the political consultations and the efforts of the prime minister, the vaccine is available.”

Ali al-Hadi, a shop owner said that his wife had been sick with COVID-19 and recovered “I feel sorry that the vaccine arrived late in Libya after thousands were infected, but better late than never.”

“We hope the Health Ministry will steer away from political conflicts so that services can reach patients,” said housewife Khawla Muhammad.

The Health Minister said previously the government had so far ordered enough doses to inoculate 1.4 million of the country’s more than six million people.

Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control has said more than 400,000 people have registered for vaccination in more than 400 centres around the country.

Libya has recorded more than 166,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 3,000 deaths.

Kamila/Reuters