Kigali, August 19, 2021 The Ministry of Health, today, received 200,000 doses of Covid-19 Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Government of China to Rwanda.

At the handover ceremony, Dr Daniel Ngamije, Rwanda Minister of Health, the Minister of Health hailed support by the Chinese Government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Government of Rwanda is grateful for this important donation from the People’s Republic of China, and we are thrilled of this addition to our existing efforts to protect the maximum of Rwanda citizens and residents against Covid-19, “ Said Dr. Ngamije.

The donation is a valuable contribution to Rwanda’s ongoing vaccination drive, targeting the most vulnerable across the country.

His Excellency Ambassador RAO Hongwei the Ambassador of China to Rwanda said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Rwanda diplomatic ties. Especially after Presidents from both countries exchanged visits in recent years, the bilateral relations have been developing steadily.

“Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have been standing shoulder to shoulder, and helping each other in various areas. This reflects the deep friendship between the two countries that China and Rwanda are good friends, brothers and sisters. China will continue to provide help to Rwanda within our abilities.” Said Ambassador RAO.

Rwanda continues to extend vaccination to a wider range of targeted groups, registering significant progress towards access to vaccine; as of today, close to 1 million people have received at least their first dose.