Libyan PM Abdul Dbeibeh gets COVID-19 jab

H.E Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh is the first to get vaccinated in the country./Photo Credit: UNICEF

The long-delayed coronavirus vaccination program in Libya was Saturday launched by the country's new unity government.

Prime minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh became the first person to receive the vaccine though he did not disclose what vaccine he had received.

UNICEF Libya stated that the country will prioritize frontline workers and vulnerable groups in the country.

Libya received 160,000 coronavirus vaccine doses over the past week, with the prime minister receiving his jab on live television. At least 100,000 of the doses that arrived this week were Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

"Through the political consultations and the efforts of the prime minister, the vaccine is available," said Health Minister Ali al-Zanati, who has said previously the government had so far ordered enough doses to inoculate 1.4 million of the country’s more than six million people.

Libya's National Centre for Disease Control has said more than 400,000 people have registered for vaccination in more than 400 centers around the country.

The country has recorded 167,732 coronavirus cases 2,815 deaths.

(With input from agencies)