This archive report was first published on 27 July 2021.
On July 28, 2021, Tanzania received 1,058,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson manufactured vaccine from the US through the Covax initiative, marking a significant step in the country's fight against Covid-19.
Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan will be the first to be vaccinated in mainland Tanzania, setting an example for other leaders to follow.
"The Ministry calls on all other leaders to follow this example and show the way for all citizens to access this Covid-19 vaccine voluntarily and free of charge," Dr. Gwajima said in a statement.
The Health Ministry will communicate procedures for the distribution of the vaccine and provide immunization procedures in health facilities, Dr. Gwajima added.
With the launch of the vaccination campaign, Tanzania is expected to vaccinate its priority population, including President Hassan, who will receive the Janssen vaccine at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
