Seychelles gets new consignment of vaccine from India |23 January 2021
(From l to r) Minister Radegonde, Minister Vidot and HC Suhag in a souvenir photograph (Photo: Jude Morel)
People who are not able to take the Sinopharm vaccine will now be able to get the COVISHIELD Oxford-Aztrazenotec vaccine, a consignment of which arrived in the country yesterday.
This consignment, a gift from the people and government of India to the people and government of Seychelles, comprises 50,000 doses which will benefit 25,000 people.
This consignment of ‘Made in India’ vaccines arrived aboard the Indian Navy Aircraft ‘Boeing P8I’ which was specially tasked with carrying the load to Seychelles.
The handover ceremony took place at the Air Seychelles VIP lounge and was attended by the MInister for Health, Peggy Vidot and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde along with the Indian high commissioner, General Dalbir Singh Suhag.
In his address the high commissioner noted that Seychelles is the first African
country to receive the vaccine from India.
“We are committed to making India's vaccines, our production capacity, serve the interest of the whole of humanity,” he said.
HC Suhag continued by adding that prior to the delivery of vaccines, a live webinar training programme, covering administrative and operational aspects of COVISHIELD vaccination programme, was conducted for immunisation managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the government of India, was attended by health care professionals in Seychelles, led by programme manager for immunisation, Florida Bijoux.
“The gifting of the vaccine supplies on an emergency basis shows India's intention to pursue its vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), a commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all neighbouring countries. It is a reflection of India's inclusive approach for collective good, deeply ingrained in its strategic outlook espoused by its ancient culture and articulated as Vasudheva Kutumbakam (the world is one family),” said the high commissioner.
It may be recalled that, at the peak of the first wave of Covid-19 outbreak in Seychelles, the government of India donated two consignments of urgent medicine supplies adding to 4 tonnes, which were delivered to Seychelles on a war footing through a chartered Air India aircraft on April 15, 2020 and by Indian Navy Ship INS Kesari on June 7, 2020.
“Health, being the foundation to the economic and social development of a country, has always been one of the main focus of the government of India in its development partnership assistance to Seychelles,” HC Suhag noted.
On his part Minister Radegonde expressed his gratitude to the government of India for the COVISHIELD vaccines.
“I would like to thank Dr Jaishankar (India’s Minister for External Affairs) for the prompt consideration of my request made earlier this month, and for the personal role he has played in ensuring the expeditious delivery of the vaccine to Seychelles.
This kind gesture today further cements the ties of solidarity, friendship and cooperation which exist between our two countries,” expressed Minister Radegonde.
Minister Radegonde also noted that this generous donation from India will further reinforce the national Covid-19 immunisation campaign that is already underway in the country.
Minister Vidot also took the time to answer a few questions on the vaccine.
She noted that the campaign will start with the above 65 population and the most vulnerable.
“To date, a total of 13,600 people have received their vaccine with the numbers expected to rise this weekend,” the minister said.
She added that with the donation (yesterday) Seychelles only needs 40,000 doses (20,000) people, noting that arrangements have been made for more astrazeneca vaccine to be purchased from India.
Minister Vidot also assured that the ministry is properly equipped to store the new vaccine as well as transport it safely.
Christophe Zialor
