Bangladesh is ahead of Russia and Turkey in vaccinating people against Covid-19, according to Health Minister Zahid Maleque.
Citing a global report, the minister said Bangladesh has ranked 10th among 200 countries in the world in terms of vaccinating people.
He said, "We have administered 180 million doses of the vaccine while 170 million doses were administered in Germany, 160 million vaccine doses in Russia, 140 million doses in Turkey, 120 million doses in Thailand, and only 30 million doses in South Africa."
The minister gave the information while addressing a press conference on Tuesday at BCPS Bhaban in Mohakhali of the capital on Tuesday, reports UNB.
He informed that 86 per cent of targeted population received first dose and 65 per cent under the second dose
“Besides, 3.2 million people have been vaccinated with booster doses," he said.
The government has administered 15 million doses of vaccines to the students, aged 12 or above, so far, he added.
Zahid Maleque further said, "We have vaccinated more than 8 million people and we can vaccinate more."
The minister said the regular vaccination campaign will continue although the administration of the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is scheduled to be stopped on February 26.
"We will remain busy with second dose and booster dose activities after February 26. However, even if the administration of the first dose vaccine will temporarily get less attention, the programme will continue," said the minister.
The minister said a nationwide vaccination programme will be launched on February 26. "I urge everyone to get vaccinated. We will vaccinate everyone on that day."
"We are preparing to administer 10 million doses of vaccine under this special vaccination programme," he said.
"If necessary, we will administer 15 million doses. We have 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses in stock," the minister added.
"I have talked with many including bus, truck, shop owners' associations about this special programme. With the cooperation of all, we will surely succeed."
