President Kicks Off Tanzania’s Vaccination Campaign

In a televised event held at the statehouse on Wednesday, Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan launched the country’s vaccination campaign against COVID-19 by receiving her first shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The prime minister, chief justice and other top officials also got their shots. The event marks a break with late president John Magufuli, who dismissed vaccines and said God had protected Tanzania from the coronavirus. The president said she would not risk her life or put herself in danger while knowing that she has so many responsibilities awaiting her. She said she’s also a mother, grandmother, and wife, and that as the president, she must show this to the masses who are behind her. Tanzania’s Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima urged leaders to encourage people to get vaccinated. According to the Ministry of Health, procedures and centers for the vaccination will be announced soon. But the ministry already has said priority groups will include health care workers, hotel workers, employees of foreign embassies and international travelers, such as pilgrims to Mecca. 

SOURCE: VOA