The World Health Organisation (WHO) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and has applauded government for securing 600,000 vaccines through the COVAX Facility to combat the spread of Covid-19 in Ghana.

“After a year of disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 80,700 Ghanaians getting infected with the virus and over 580 lost lives, the path to recovery for the people of Ghana can finally begin," the United Nation agency stated.

In a press release Wednesday, a UNICEF representative in Ghana, Anne-Claire Dufay indicated that the agency is "pleased that Ghana has become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility."

"We congratulate the Government of Ghana – especially the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and Ministry of Information – for its relentless efforts to protect the population."

This comes after the arrival of some 600,000 COVID vaccines in Ghana on Wednesday morning at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to UNICEF, this "momentous" step is geared towards annihilating the virus and the "only way out of this crisis is to ensure that vaccinations are available for all."

Parts of the statement added: “These 600,000 COVAX vaccines are part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, which represent part of the first wave of COVID vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries.

“The shipments also represent the beginning of what should be the largest vaccine procurement and supply operation in history. The COVAX Facility plans to deliver close to two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines this year. This is an unprecedented global effort to make sure all citizens have access to vaccines,".

The United Nations Children's Fund has also iterated its commitment to support the vaccination campaign, as part of its role in being a member of the UN Country Team in Ghana.

"Vaccines save lives. As health workers and other front-line staff are vaccinated, we will be able to gradually see a return to normalcy, including better access to health, education and protection services.

"In the spirit of Universal Health Coverage, let’s leave no one behind," the statement added.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has thanked all stakeholders supporting the COVAX Facility in ensuring that the Covid-19 vaccines are quickly and fairly distributed to all countries.