Japan will provide about 1.6 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Nepal through the vaccine sharing scheme COVAX in what will come as a huge relief to the older Nepali adults who are awaiting second dose of Covishield for a long time.
The Japanese Embassy issuing a statement on Tuesday said the does will be shipped to Nepal from between mid-July to August end adding that the exact shipping schedule will be confirmed once the procurement arrangement will be finalized by the international organization which is in charge of the matter.
Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Yutaka Kikuta stated this is a reflection of long time friendship of Nepal toward Japan, according to the statement.
Reuters quoting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reported earlier Tuesday that the kingdom will provide 11 million doses of AstraZeneca to Asian countries including Nepal.
Motegi revealed that 11 million doses of the double-dose vaccine will be sent this month to Bangladesh, Cambodia, Iran, Laos, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, as well as various Pacific Island states.
Around 1.30 million Nepalis older than 65 years have not been able to receive second dose of Covishield (AstraZeneca made in India) after receiving the first dose in March following India's ban on export of vaccines to other countries.
(This report has been updated after the statement issued by the Japanese Emabssy after first publication)
