First batch of Sputnik V vaccine lands in Venezuela

Venezuela received its first shipment of the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V on Saturday.

The batch of 100,000 doses of the vaccine arrived at the Maiquetía International Airport, north of Caracas.

"This is going to have an impact on national life and our health system, both public and private," said Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

President Nicolas Maduro said last week health workers will be the first to receive the jab.

He also has repeatedly said that the country would be ready to start a massive vaccination campaign as of April.

The country of 30 million residents has taken part in the Sputnik V vaccine trials since October and signed a contract with Russia in December for 10 million doses.

The Venezuelan government has not provided financial details of the agreement.

Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Mexico and Nicaragua have also have deals with Russia to get the vaccine.

Venezuela has reported 132,259 COVID-19 cases and 1,267 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(Image Credit: AP)