Ethiopia receives first batch of Chinese vaccine

China has joined global race to distribute its COVID-19 vaccine Sinovac as 300,000 doses arrived Monday in Ethiopian capital dis Ababa.

arrival of Ethiopian Airlines cargo plane from Beijing was met by Ethiopian Health Minister Lia Tesse and China's Ambassor to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan.

Before delivering statements to media, a banner reing "Through solidarity, we will prevail" was unfurled as a backdrop to news briefing.

"President Xi was second to none to pledge that China will make its vaccines a global public good, thus improving vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries," said Zhao Zhiyuan.

Tesse applauded donation by China saying she was "grateful to receive this donation" and it will "support and augment coverage of our population in terms of insuring controls of this pandemic and reducing morbidity and mortality."

Sinovac vaccine works by introducing de viral particles to expose immune system to disease without risking serious illness.

(Image Credit: AP)