Mass COVID-19 vaccination rollout begins in Africa

African countries are starting mass COVID-19 vaccination drives using vaccines supplied through a scheme set up to share doses fairly with poorer nations.

Ivory Coast is one of the first to benefit from the UN-backed Covax distribution initiative, with injections beginning today.

Ghana is also launching its vaccination drive this week.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the coronavirus vaccine as the country opened its vaccination programme for the wider population.

India launched its vaccination drive on 16 January, but it was limited to healthcare workers and frontline staff.

Now, people over 60 and those who are between 45 and 59 but have other illnesses can get vaccinated.

State-run hospitals will offer free vaccinations but people can also pay at private facilities to get vaccinated.

[Source: BBC]