Millions of US-donated Pfizer jabs arrive in SA
Acting Minister of Health Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the arrival of the first batch of 2.8 million Pfizer vaccine doses donated by the USA.
Kubayi and Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla were joined by acting US Ambassador Todd Haskell at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, where the consignment was handed over to the SA government.
"On behalf of our government and the people of South Africa, we appreciate the donation from the American Government, led by President Joe Biden," said Kubayi.
"This contribution comes timely for us as we prepare to move to younger age cohort of 18 in September, who are eager to get these life-saving vaccines.
"The donation of these vaccines contributes to the security of supply to meet the demands we have to reach our set milestones and vaccinate a majority of the population soon.
"This is a single bilateral donation and shows the good relations between our two countries."
The second batch, which consists of another 2.8 million doses, will arrive in SA on Tuesday, bringing the total of Pfizer doses donated by the US to 5.6 million.
The vaccines will also be distributed to other countries on the continent.
