09:43 | Iquitos (Loreto region), Jul. 4.
The
Ministry of Health (Minsa) —in coordination with the Regional Government of Loreto— on Sunday started the COVID-19 vaccination of 106,974 members of 1,353 indigenous communities settled in this northeastern region of the country.
The official activity and first inoculations of the vaccine to people over 18 years of age took place in the indigenous community of Miraflores, located in Loreto Province.
"158,460 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were sent by Minsa to begin the vaccination process today. People who live in communities or localities belonging to indigenous or native peoples will be vaccinated by the health brigade in their community or locality," Indigenous or Native Peoples Department Executive-Director Julio Mendigure explained.
Strategy
To date, the national COVID-19 vaccination strategy has allocated 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to 11 regions with Amazonian indigenous population.
There are 55 indigenous or native peoples (51 Amazonian and four Andean) in Peru.
Vaccination is voluntary and consented. The indigenous or native inhabitants may revoke the informed consent and choose not to receive the vaccine if they want to.
Mendigure explained that Minsa is holding further talks with indigenous leaders and organizations at all levels, noting that they are showing willingness to get vaccinated.
(END) NDP/JOT/RMB
Published: 7/4/2021