Mozambique has received, since March, about 1.7 million doses of vaccines against the new coronavirus, announced the Ministry of Health.

"From last March to date, Mozambique has received a total of 1 704 400 doses of vaccines resulting from donations from [various] countries," said Lídia Cardoso, deputy health minister quoted by Lusa.

The governor was speaking on Tuesday during the ceremony to receive one million vaccines against covid-19, at Maputo airport.

According to the vice-minister, the vaccines received since March resulted from donations from countries such as Portugal, India, China, France and the United States, in addition to those acquired through Univax, a private sector initiative in Mozambique.

"The reception of these vaccines is a clear demonstration of the concern of the head of state and the government in placing the health of Mozambicans as a precious and priceless asset," said Lídia Cardoso.

The vice-minister also announced that "a larger number of people" will be vaccinated within the next few days, which will "accelerate the immunization of more Mozambicans in a short period of time," she said, reiterating appeals for the participation of the target groups.

According to the official, the government expects to vaccinate at least six million people by September, corresponding to 20% of the population.

Mozambique is experiencing the third wave of the pandemic, the deadliest compared to previous ones, with an increase in cases and hospitalizations, a situation that puts pressure on the country's health system.