End of year update on #CovidVaccine and distribution in #Pakistan. I’ve been working with the federal @GovtofPakistan for technical assistance in vaccine procurement and rollout. Here is some good news on the vaccine front for Pakistan:

1) #Pakistan is buying vaccines that are expected to be delivered by March 2021. The @GovtofPakistan has allocated $150 million for the purchase of vaccines.

2) Although we will be getting the Pfizer vaccine, the Chinese vaccine and AstraZeneca vaccines suit Pakistan more because they don’t require sub-zero temperatures for storage and are cheaper and easier to transport to remote areas.

3) Through the #COVAX facility, Pakistan is expected to get free vaccines in the last quarter of 2021 for 45 million of its most vulnerable people (health workers, the elderly, people with co-morbidities)

4) Vaccine roll out will vary provincially, but I am most committed to making it a safe, dignified process with no long lines or humiliating, panic-inducing processes. Pakistan is expected to implement multiple simultaneous delivery mechanisms

5) Although this is promising news that I’m happy to share, it is critical to note that right now we are in the midst of a lethal #SecondWave and vaccines are no magic bullet either. It will take several months for roll out and 2021 will require us to be vigilant and follow SOPs

6) I will also be leading the Federal Govt’s effort to effect behavioural change and combat #antivaccine sentiments. Mediums to get messages across are being considered, from social media to radio because of its outreach. Open to your suggestions and ideas

Lastly, I would like to urge all of you to not spread misinformation or fake news that induce fear & anti-vaccination sentiments. Vaccines work; vaccines save lives. To make our effort successful, everyone must make an effort! Wishing you a safe transition into 2021.