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Speaking to the press at the launch of the second round national COVID 19 vaccination campaign, Minister of Health Dr.Lia Tadesse said the pandemic has led to widespread social, economic, and psychological crises, and continues to be a major source of national concern and burden to the health delivery system.
Various types of COVID 19 vaccinations with proven efficacy are being provided in Ethiopia, Dr.Lia said adding that more than 10 million Ethiopians have been vaccinated so far, out of which 4 million are fully vaccinated.
The Minister emphasized that improved vaccination coverage is critical in the prevention and control of the pandemic, while also reviving tourism and other economic activities that have suffered due to the pandemic.
Dr.Lia indicated that Ethiopia was able to vaccinate 5.5 million people during the first round national COVID 19 vaccination campaign. This, the Minister said, was a significant achievement that placed Ethiopia among countries with relatively better COVID 19 vaccination coverage at the continental level.
Drawing from lessons and experiences of the first round, the Ministry has distributed 20 million doses of COVID 19 vaccines to all regional states, who have made the necessary arrangement to administer the vaccinations at health facilities and temporary vaccination sites.
Ethiopia’s second-round COVID 19 vaccination campaign targets citizens aged 12 and above who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those qualified for booster shots six months after full vaccination.