(Ecofin Agency) - First skeptical about getting its population vaccinated, Burundi has finally received the first shots of the Covid-19 vaccines. The country took delivery yesterday of 500,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine and 124,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are expected by the end of October.

Burundi also plans to institute a health pass in Bujumbura from November 1. According to Health Minister Thaddée Ndikumana (pictured), the vaccination campaign would first target healthcare providers, people aged over 60 or with underlying health problems, as well as people traveling abroad and any volunteers.

To date, Burundi has recorded 19,441 Covid-19 cases and 38 deaths, according to the John Hopkins University. Since the pandemic started, the country has been skeptical about the measures initiated worldwide to stop the disease but the sudden death of President Pierre Nkurunziza has led to a shift in the state's response to the virus.

Dorcas Loba (intern)