Minister of Health Hon Dr. Omer Ali Abdillahi stated that health workers would be first persons to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus.

The Minister gave the sentiments, while he received in his office the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates recently appointed to the Republic of Somaliland, in anticipation of the upcoming Covid-19 vaccine in the country and how to start distributing it.

The purpose of the meeting was to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of health.

The Emirates recently handed over three modern hospitals that the UAE has built in Hargeisa, Berbera and Burao. The hospitals has each providing specialized medical services such as: Orthopedic Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

Speaking at a meeting with ministry officials yesterday, the health minister said the G20 countries had pledged to provide 2 billion Covid-19 inoculation drugs to African countries, and the process was underway.

UNICEF and DP World have now agreed to extend the vaccine to African countries, especially in landlocked East and Central Africa. The plan will make it easier for Somaliland to get its share, and the Ministry of Health is currently focused on how to get the vaccine.

Contract awarded by UNICEF to DP World, Berbera Port will be distribution point to COVID-19 vaccination destination for East and Central Africa.

By M. A. Egge