The Pan Afrikanist Watchman

Botswana today (18 September 2021) graciously received a donation of 101, 760 doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine from the Federal Government of Germany to boost her vaccination campaign.

The consignment arrived Saturday afternoon at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) by Ethiopian Airlines. It was handed over to the Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Edwin Dikoloti by the Ambassador of Germany to Botswana, Mrs. Margit Hellwig-Bötte.

In her short remarks, the German envoy revealed that the arrival of this consignment, which is sufficient to vaccinate 50,880 citizens and residents of Botswana, was “only the beginning”.

She said that another consignment of 299, 520 doses, also a donation from Germany, is expected to arrive in Botswana “in the weeks ahead”.

Margit Hellwig-Bötte explained that Germany is committed to donating the total amount of 401,280 vaccine doses to Botswana.

Germany is one of the co-founders of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

COVAX is, a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organisation.

 In fact, Germany is the second biggest donor and has pledged 2.2 billion Euros, which at current exchange rates is more than BWP 29. 3billion.

According to the German envoy, her nation is additionally supplying 1.3 million vaccine doses to countries, which at this moment in time, need them the most.

Margit Hellwig-Bötte said Germany is doing this because they strongly believe that vaccines against Covid-19 are a global public good.  

“We want to contribute to better access to these vaccines all over the world. Nobody can be safe until everybody is safe”, the German envoy warned.

The Ambassador further expressed her gratitude to COVAX, which she described as the “most important multilateral initiative” for ensuring equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

She also thanked UNICEF for ensuring timely delivery of the consignment, and WHO as well as the Ministry of Health and Wellness for making sure that the vaccines will reach the population “very soon” and boost the vaccination campaign in Botswana.