The Japanese Government will donate approximately 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Kingdom of Cambodia, in addition to the approximately one million doses already been delivered.
“This decision was made in light of the friendship between Japan and Cambodia,” H.E. Mikami Masahiro, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia underlined in his message dated Dec. 16.
The vaccines, which Japan is licensed to produce, will be shipped to Phnom Penh on Dec. 19 under logistical arrangements by the COVAX facility and supported by UNICEF and WHO.
“I hope that these vaccines will contribute to further steps towards social and economic recovery as well as helping relieve the anxiety of the Cambodian people,” he said.
According to H.E. Ambassador, to date, the Japanese government has provided a total of more than US$60 million worth of assistance to Cambodia. This has included the donation of medical equipment; the renovation of hospitals; support, through international organisations, for infection prevention measures at the border; and the provision of equipment to properly transport and store vaccines.
Japan has also provided a loan of approximately US$227 million which is being used to provide financial support to people affected by COVID-19 and to strengthen provision within the healthcare system.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia and all the medical professionals who are putting measures in place to fight COVID-19, and I would like to send my best wishes to all to the people who are having to deal with this difficult situation,” he added.
H.E. Mikami Masahiro also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continue to cooperate and work together with Cambodia in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press