By Agnes Kiconco

KIU, Main Campus - Uganda has waved in the third batch of 175,200 doses of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The batch was donated by France through the COVAX facility and was ushered into the country at Entebbe airport on Wednesday night, 16th June.

"An additional 175,200 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has just arrived in country via @KLM. Appreciation to @FrenchEmbassyUg, @UNICEFUganda and @WHOUganda for the support. #STAYSFEUG," twitted the Ministry of Health.

The vaccines were flown in following reports that the vaccine was out of stock in several medical facilities since it was on high demand considering the fact that the country is currently battling the second wave of the pandemic.

The demand comes from citizens who have had the first jab and await to have the second jab administered plus citizens who look forward to getting their very first jab.

However, considering the number of vaccine doses and the population in demand of the vaccine, there is still doubt as to whether the vaccine will be sufficient.

"Hundreds of people are due for their 2nd dose in a few weeks' time. Others will be desperate to get their first. Isn't 170k a drop in the ocean for a country of 40m people ?" read one of the comments in response to the Ministry of Health tweet.

Regardless of the above, the National Medical Stores(NMS) looks forward to safely delivering the vaccine to several medical facilities around the country.

"Our General Manager, @NMS_ED, speaking to @ntvuganda about the arrival of the Astrazeneca vaccines last night and NMS’ readiness to ensure the vaccines reach their final destination (health facilities and various vaccination centres)," retweeted Sheila Nduhukire the Principal Public Relations Officer NMS.

Photo: UNICEF