150,000 doses of anti-coronavirus vaccine, presented by China to the Syrian state and people, arrive at Damascus International Airport

150,000 doses of anti-coronavirus vaccine, presented by China to the Syrian state and people, arrived on Saturday at Damascus International Airport.

In a statement, Minister of Health, Dr. Hassan Al-Ghabbash, said that China’s initiative, which includes providing 150,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine, reflects the depth and solidity of the Syrian-Chinese friendship.

He highly appreciated China’s efforts to contain the pandemic and develop anti-virus vaccines, an achievement that constitutes an important scientific step and a great contribution to humanity.

The Minister thanked China for supporting Syria and helping it contain the pandemic and limit its health, social and economic impacts through supplying the country with medical aid, scientific expertise and vaccine, particularly in the light of the difficult circumstances facing Syria due to the unilateral coercive economic measures imposed on it.

In reply to journalists’ questions, the minister said that Sinopharm has proved its effectiveness and safety in many countries of the world, noting that vaccination will first of all target the healthcare staff and then citizens, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

 On his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Syria Feng Biao said that the arrival of the first batch of the Chinese vaccine reflects the strong relations between the two countries and marks a new phase of cooperation in fighting COVID-19.

“We are sure that the Chinese vaccine will help the Syrians strengthen their resistance to this pandemic,” he stressed.

The Chinese diplomat pointed out that the side effect of the Chinese vaccine is no more than 0,000001 which is far lesser than that caused by the anti-influenza vaccine.

“Sinopharm vaccine is completely safe. Dozens of countries in the world have decided to use it,” said Biao, affirming his country’s support for international cooperation and for equality among all countries of the world in terms of having access to the vaccine.

He told journalists that a second batch of the Chinese vaccine will be sent to Syria from the Chinese Red Cross and it will also contain 150,000 doses.