China provides Nepal with additional 1.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine

November 3, Kathmandu: The Chinese government has handed over 1.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Vero Cell to Nepal.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, handed over the Vero Cell vaccines to Minister of Health and Populations, Birodh Khatiwada, amidst a programme on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Health Minister Khatiwada said the handover of the COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal by China has helped strengthen Nepal-China relations.

“Vaccines provided by the Chinese government will help Nepal government’s goal to vaccinate all eligible population in Nepal by coming April,” he added.

Minister Khatiwada extended gratitude to the Chinese government for the important assistance.

Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Yanqi believed the Vero Cell vaccines assistance would help Nepal achieve its target to vaccinate people against the virus.

She also said such assistance at difficult times would further enhance the relations and friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Yanqi also informed that the Chinese military would extend 300 thousand doses of vaccines to Nepal Army. The consignment would arrive in Nepal on Friday.

“The discussion is also underway to provide further 3 million doses of anti-COVID vaccines to Nepal,” Yanqi said

China has so far provided 15.9 million doses of vaccines. Among them, 3.4 million doses were received on a grant, according to Health Ministry Secretary Dr Roshan Pokhrel.