A step-by-step national vaccination plan to roll out in Myanmar
‘’I want to urge you all to maintain constant vigilance, thinking that the vaccine would be available soon’’, said Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to the nation on 21 January, 2021.
Vaccines arrived from India
On 22 January, Covid-19 vaccines from the people and the Government of India arrived in Myanmar. In-line with its ‘vaccine diplomacy’ policy, India made a free gift delivery of 1.5 million Oxford-AstraZene (Covishield) vaccines to Myanmar. The second batch bought by the Myanmar Government from India will follow soon.
National vaccination plan
According to the official local news, a female medical worker has reportedly received the very first dose of Covid-19 vaccination in Nay Pyi Taw City on 27 January. Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports announced a step-by-step national vaccination plan which will roll out from February onwards. Priorities will be given to the medical workers, volunteers, Government officials and the elected members of the parliament, elderly and vulnerable people from the widespread outbreak areas. The initial programme expects to cover 750,000 people (20%) with 2 doses per person within a 28-day interval.
Vaccination fund
Myanmar so far reported over 138,000 cases, 3,000 deaths with an approximate infection rate of 400 cases per day. In December, 2020 Covid-19 vaccination public fund was set up, initially raised 1 billion MMK and 250 million USD respectively by the Government. A collective contribution from the general public, individuals and organizations altogether make reach now a total 18.781 billion MMK, 2.97 million USD.