[ad_1]
A biologist from a pharmaceutical laboratory working on a Covid-19 vaccination program.
Kenya ordered an immediate halt to imports of Covid-19 vaccines by private companies, the health minister said on Friday, saying such shipments were unlicensed and potentially dangerous because the injections could be counterfeit.
Kenya, which entered a partial lockdown on March 16 after a spate of infections and deaths, has begun vaccinating its citizens with just over 1 million insured vaccines through the global vaccine exchange facility Covax.
At least one private company has also brought in Sputnik V vaccine injections from Russia, according to Kenyan media, which says the injections sell for around $ 150 for a double dose.
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe told a press conference that the government had resolved to stop the practice, without identifying any companies or vaccines.
Kagwe added:
No licenses will be granted to private players in the importation of vaccines and any licenses granted will be and will be canceled hereby.
The government, which does not charge for Covid-19 injections, will be the sole vaccination agent until further notice, he said. Those who break the rule will be prosecuted.
The director of a hospital in the city of Nanyuki, 148 km from Nairobi, told Reuters last week that the hospital was preparing to launch Russian injections of Sputnik V that it had obtained privately, after obtaining official permission. I would sell them at cost.
The ministry said the government would work with a company that had imported the Russian vaccine to ensure that those who had received a first injection could still receive a second in due course.
The ban on private imports will remain in place until the government is confident “that there is greater transparency and accountability throughout the process,” Kagwe said.
Did you know that you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
