On June 15th, Vanuatu launched Sinopharm vaccination at the National Convention Center in Port Vila. Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman, Minister of Health Silas Bule, Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo, Minister of Justice and Community Services Esmon Saimon, Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business James Bule, Minister of Climate Change Bruno Leingkone, Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Zhou Haicheng as well as other senior officials from the Vanuatu government and representatives of the Chinese companies and Chinese community were present.
Prime Minister Loughman was giving a speech
PM Loughman expressed sincere appreciation to the Chinese government on behalf of the government and the people of Vanuatu for the on-going support and generous assistance to Vanuatu in this difficult time. He stressed that this is the second vaccine that has been arrived in the country, and he decided to step forward to take the first jab. “It is basically to give comfort to all of the country that when we want to improve our economic activities”, he added. He pointed to WHO’s listing of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine as proof of its efficiency and safety, stressing “It is important that we protect ourselves before we could invite our other friends to come to our country”. He appealed and encouraged Vanuatu chiefs and pastors to come together and help pass on the information to the people and persuade them to listen to the health authority’s awareness education.
After the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Loughman received the first dose of Sinopharm vaccine on the scene. Chinese ambassador Zhou Haicheng, Prime Minister Loughman’s spouse and several Vanuatu government ministers and representatives of the Chinese companies and Chinese community also received the injections.
After receiving the first dose, Prime Minister Loughman made a "V" gesture to show he felt good
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Haicheng was receiving a dose of the Sinopharm vaccine
Some Chinese citizens were waiting for the injection of the Sinopharm vaccine
Participants at the launching ceremony at the National Convention Center