Covid-19 in the DRC: Tshisekedi is vaccinated and praises the merits of the vaccine

The Congolese president to Félix Tshisekedi, May 18, 2021. AP - Ludovic Marin

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In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi was finally vaccinated.

The head of state had however increased media outlets against the AstraZeneca vaccine.

" 

He's not so sure,

 " he said.

These comments had been strongly criticized since they contrasted with those of the government and the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) which were trying to gain public acceptance for the AstraZeneca vaccine.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

Patient Ligodi

With his vaccination, President Félix Tshisekedi hopes to boost the new campaign.

Mask in place, a little grimace when he receives the sting in his left shoulder, Félix Tshisekedi was reassuring: “ 

I am not coming as a guinea pig.

I am confident that the vaccine protects.

We must all have the vaccine because unfortunately this pandemic is killing people.

 "

Read also: Félix Tshisekedi's refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 is controversial

The country has received nearly 300,000 doses of AsraZeneca and Moderna vaccines since mid-August, after 35 days of shortage ... but no details were given on the vaccines received by the Head of State and his spouse.

Félix Tshisekedi wanted to set an example: “ 

The First Lady has just received the vaccine, five minutes after me.

Otherwise everything is fine.

There is no problem.

I urge all of our compatriots to take this vaccine.

He saves lifes.

 "

The coronavirus has killed members of the head of state's family, as well as some of his closest collaborators: “ 

I have lost loved ones, several.

By this act, I come to show my compatriots that it is really necessary to take this vaccine.

And above all, don't worry.

 "

Members of the cabinet and other agents of the Presidency of the Republic are also due to receive their first doses this week.

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• DRC

• Coronavirus

• Felix Tshisekedi