The first shipment of one million doses of the Oxford
University-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) left the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai today, Sunday 31.
The Consul-General of South African in Mumbai, Andrea Kühn
and members of the Consulate were in attendance to extend South Africa’s deep
appreciation to the exceptional and professional support rendered by the
government of India, the SII, Mumbai International Airport Cargo, Expo Freight
Private Limited (EFL) and Emirates Airline.
This milestone highlighted the solid relations and deep
friendship that exist between South Africa and India and further consolidated
the cooperation between our two countries in the fight against the spread of
the global pandemic.
The flight carrying the precious cargo will go through Dubai
and land at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday. The first rollout will
mostly prioritise healthcare workers.
Another half a million doses are expected in February.
