Argentina and Bolivia have launched their plan to strengthen the fight against COVID-19, Argentina delivered on Monday 1 million AstraZeneca vaccines to neighbouring Bolivia to fight the pandemic, making it the largest donation of vials ever made between South American countries.
On 20 December, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the government, sent 1 million vaccines in an Air Force Hercules C-130 aircraft, where an Argentine delegation, led by the Minister of Health, Carla Vizzotti, made the delivery.
"This plane, which brings health, which brings hope, which brings life, brings a million doses of vaccines that will be very important for Bolivia's vaccination campaign," said Carla Vizzotti during a joint ceremony with Bolivian authorities.
The Argentinean Minister of Health recognised the importance of the solidarity received by her country, which has received nearly 7 million doses, which have allowed them to reach 82.5% of the population vaccinated with one dose and 69.1% with a full schedule, which is why they also want to support other countries.
"This is the largest donation ever made by our country with the aim of strengthening access for all people to vaccination against HIV/AIDS in the region that suffered the most from the impact of the pandemic and which has suffered inequitable access to vaccines," says the Argentine government statement.
The reception of the vials was led by the Bolivian Foreign Minister, Rogelio Mayta, who stressed that the new batch of immunisers will be especially oriented towards "third doses" or booster applications. In addition, communication between the two countries has allowed them to strengthen their health systems, sharing experiences and results.
The Argentine government has undertaken a major international support campaign to fight the pandemic. So far, it has sent more than 1.7 million doses to Angola, Kenya, Vietnam, Barbados, Mozambique and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, plus a number of other countries that are still evaluating whether to accept Argentina's assistance.
The Argentine government has undertaken a major international support campaign to fight the pandemic. So far, it has sent more than 1.7 million doses to Angola, Kenya, Vietnam, Barbados, Mozambique and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, plus a number of other countries that are still evaluating whether to accept Argentina's assistance.
"Argentina has been at the forefront in the region, offering not only vaccine donations but also technical cooperation which, as in this case, have been accepted by Bolivia," the health ministry statement said.
The Argentine government has confirmed that the donations will not affect the country's internal vaccination plans, as they have the necessary number of doses and even have reserves to apply boosters to the population.
Through the joint work of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Argentina has positioned itself as a supporter against COVID-19, through the donation of 3,270,000 doses of vaccines to different countries around the world and the technical cooperation it offers.
Latin America Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.
