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The Moroccan government will launch the anti-Covid-19 vaccination campaign once vaccine batches are delivered, Saadeddine El Othmani said Tuesday in Rabat. Speaking on the «national vaccination strategy», during the monthly session at the Chamber of Councilors, the Head of Government could not give a definitive answer on when vaccine doses would be delivered to Morocco.
«It is normal to ask about the vaccination operation and wonder when it is starting», he said, explaining that the delay is mainly due to «the high demand» at the international level.
«As you know, globally, everyone wants to purchase the vaccine and the demand has reached around 10 billion doses. However, manufacturing companies do not have the means and their production capacity is limited when faced with the demands and pressures».
The Head of Government explained that «countries that manufacture vaccines will only export them after supplying their citizens». «Some also resort to speculation to buy lots and offer prices 5 times or even 9 times more expensive than the normal price», he regretted.
Saadeddine El Othmani gave the example of Europe, noting that the vaccination program has been interrupted in some countries due to a lack of vaccine batches.
The reasons for choosing Sinopharm and AstraZeneca
Saadeddine El Othmani however explained why Morocco went for Sinopharm and AstraZeneca as suppliers. «It is normal that citizens ask 'why these companies'. I say that this choice was approved by the scientific committee based on two factors : safety and trials», he said.
«These two vaccines adopt a traditional technique known as inactivated virus, which is a logical choice. It is also about the transportation and storage of the vaccine», he explained. As a result, «the logistical challenges we have for the moment prevented us from opting for other vaccines».
Saadeddine El Othmani recalled that vaccination, on its own, is not enough to cope with the pandemic. «Vaccination is an important step, but it must be followed by other measures to consolidate our achievements», he argued. «I call on citizens once again to show more patience and to adhere to the measures announced by the government», he concluded.
