Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. In the framework of non-refundable assistance from the Government of Japan, Mongolia received 84,240 doses of vaccines on June 16. This is the first shipment of a total of about 2.35 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines being provided in the framework of USD 21.5 million non-refundable aid of Japan.

More specifically, the vaccines are being supplied in the framework of the ‘COVID-19 pandemic and Public Health Emergency Capacity Building Project’ being implemented in Mongolia through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with a grant from the Government of Japan. 

A ceremony took place for receiving the first shipment of vaccines at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport on June 16. Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs N.Ankhbayar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health Ts.Erdembileg, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Kobayashi Hiroyuki, and UNICEF Representative Alex Heikens and corresponding officials attended the ceremony.

Highlighting that the assistance is being provided by Japan at the request made by the Government of Mongolia, Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan said, “This will serve as significant contribution in fully vaccinating the population, especially for the future of our children and youth,” and expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people, and UNICEF for providing support in the project implementation.

Alongside providing assistance in vaccination, he also underlined that the Government of Japan has provided assistance in a wide range in the framework of bilateral and multilateral partnership, including the provision of soft loans, strengthening of the healthcare system, supply of necessary medical equipment, and preparing medical personnel. 

Ambassador Kobayashi Hiroyuki said, “The Government of Japan is delighted to fund the procurement of about 2.35 million out of 2.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccines. I believe Japan’s support with UNICEF will further strengthen the vaccination program and support the recovery of socio-economic activity in Mongolia.”

“UNICEF appreciates the generous financial support from the Government of Japan to support Mongolia in its effort to fight the pandemic. I congratulate the Government of Mongolia with the remarkable progress in vaccinating its people against COVID-19. Today’s arrival of vaccines will help with filling the remaining gaps in vaccination,” said UNICEF Representatives Alex Heikens.

The second batch of vaccines is expected to be delivered next week. More vaccines will be supplied in the second half of 2021.

Since the vaccination rollout launched in February, 1,897,956 people or 91.8 percent of the total population have been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccine and 1,667,849 people or 80.7 percent with the second dose as of June 16.

Currently, Mongolia has received a total of 4.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including 262,800 doses of AstraZeneca via India’s assistance and COVAX Facility, 4,300,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China through donation and procurement, and 60,000 doses of Sputnik-V vaccine purchased from Russia and 209,980 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine via COVAX Facility as well as through the non-refundable assistance of Japan.