Venezuela became the first country to receive the anti-COVID-19 Abdala vaccine, whose efficiency is 92.28 percent. | Photo: Cuba Debate

Caracas, June 24 (RHC)-- As part of an agreement between the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, the first batch of Abdala vaccines arrived on Thursday to the South American nation -- of the total of 12 million agreed, to contribute to the immunization campaign.  

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said: "This extraordinary vaccine, which enjoys one of the best efficacies in the world, will be incorporated into Venezuela's immunization process.  We are grateful."  Delcy Rodríguez received the shipment at the airport, accompanied by the Minister of People's Power for Health, Carlos Alvarado, and the Minister of Science and Technology, Gabriela Jiménez.

The Venezuelan vice president said: "Today Cuba, with its vaccine candidates, is giving ethical, moral, scientific and technological lessons.  There is no blockade that can resist the will of the people."   "Here is the triumph of Cuba, and it is a very significant day to be able to share in our homeland the arrival of the Abdala vaccine, presented just two days ago to humanity with an efficiency of more than 92 percent."

The Executive Vice President also pointed out that "Venezuela, from the depths of its soul, thanks the people of Cuba, its President Díaz Canel, its government and our comrades who accompany us in this daily battle against COVID-19."

For his part, the Cuban ambassador in Venezuela, Dagoberto Rodríguez, together with part of the diplomatic corps of the Caribbean island, pointed out that "we continue in the struggle for the health of our people and, a deep political will to do more every day to strengthen these ties between Venezuela and Cuba."

Rodriguez explained that Abdala will become part of the Venezuelan health system's vaccination plan against the coronavirus, which to date includes Russia's Sputnik V and China's Sinopharm. 

The Abdala vaccine, developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), will have three doses and is 92.28 percent effective, according to Cuba's Ministry of Health.