Karenni refugees 18 and over living in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, received their first vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
According to Naw Khu Paw, director of the Karenni Health Department, over 5,000 refugees in Karenni Refugee Camp 1, which has been recognised by the United Nations for over 30 years, were edible to get their first dose of Sinopharm.
”I am so happy to have finally been vaccinated, which was really hard to achieve in the refugee camp. I want to thank the Thai Red Cross and the other donors,” said Htwar Reh.
Refugees will receive their second dose in four weeks. Those aged between 12 and 17 will receive the vaccination later. More than 400 refugees in Camp 2 were also inoculated.
Last month, the Thai Red Cross injected Sinovac into refugees aged 60 and over, with the support of the International Rescue Committee, which is responsible for health care in the camp.
The Karenni Health Department is trying to organise further vaccinations for more than 8,000 IDPs who have sought refuge from the fighting in the Karenni National Progressive Party controlled area in Burma. In November, about 250 IDPs aged 18 and over were vaccinated in Karenni State and will receive their second dose this month.
