Rwanda deploys Helicopters to deliver COVID-19 vaccines in difficult-to-reach areas
The Rwandan government has announced that it is using helicopters belonging to its defence forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines in difficult-to-reach areas.
On Thursday morning, March 04, 2021, district hospital vehicles arrived in Masoro area, Kigali City to take the vaccines for delivery to the Provincial Hospital.
TOPAFRICANEWS has learnt that the Government of Rwanda is using these helicopters to support regional hospital vehicles to deliver vaccinations in remote areas.
The Rwandan government wants the vaccine to reach the entire country on Friday, March 5, 2021, when people start getting COVID-19 vaccines.
About 347,000 dozes of COVID19 vaccine are currently on their way to 50 hospitals and 508 health centers across the country. The immunization program will start on Friday 05.03.2021 at all public hospitals and health centers.
on the other side the Governor of the Northern Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney tweeted that ” the 1st batch of Vaccines has just arrived in Burera District by Helicopter before heading to different Health Centers across Burera District. This is really Dignity of each an every Rwandan.”
He commended President Paul Kagame saying “Big up Your Excellency Paul Kagame, this is a result of your efforts”
The Ministry of Health shows via its twitter account “Helicopters from Rwanda Defence Forces and Rwanda National Police now delivering COVID-19 vaccines to remote parts of 14 different Districts. They will be picked up by District hospitals for distribution to area health centres. All vaccine shots will be administered within 48 hours starting Friday.”
Rwanda earmarks $51 million for buying COVID-19 vaccines
Rwanda has budgeted 50 billion Rwandan francs (about $51.2 million) to buy COVID-19 vaccines for over 7.8 million people by 2022, Health Minister Daniel Ngamije said on Wednesday.
The government will spend at least two-thirds of the total budget, as some vaccines are expected to come in as donations or via COVAX, a mechanism led by the United Nations which aims to provide equitable access to COVID-19 jabs for poorer countries, Ngamije told national broadcaster Rwanda Television during a news program.
According to the government, Rwanda is talking with multiple partners including international organizations and other governments to acquire additional vaccines.
