DHAKA, Aug 3, 2021 (BSS) - The third consignment out of three
million doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine under WHO-COVAX mechanism arrived
here from Japan today.

  A flight of Cathay Pacific carrying 6,16,780 doses of AstraZeneca
vaccine, manufactured in Japan, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal
International Airport at 3:15 pm.

  Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh ITO Naoki handed over the vaccine
to additional secretary of health ministry Syed Mojibul Huq at the
airport.

   Japan hopes that fair, equitable and comprehensive access to
vaccines will be ensured in Bangladesh, said a press release issued by
Japan embassy here.  Japan reiterates that Japan will stand by
Bangladesh in the fight against COVID-19 and to work together to
contain COVID-19 as soon as possible, it added.

  With today's consignment, the total amount of dispatched vaccines
from Japan as of now stands at 16,43,300.

  On July 24, Bangladesh received 2,45,200 doses of Astra Zeneca
vaccine as the first consignment from Japan under the COVAX
facilities.

  Later, on July 31, Japan sent 7,81,320 doses of such jabs as the
second consignment

  COVAX, a global alliance, is a worldwide initiative aimed at
equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine
Alliance.

  These consignments of vaccine are important for Bangladesh as around
1.5 million people are waiting for the second dose of this Oxford made
vaccine.