Workers make face shields at a recycling workshop during the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 18, 2020.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Workers make personal protective equipment (PPE) at a garment factory on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 13, 2020.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that the country has joined the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) program.

"Experts are now working to establish types of vaccines that will be allowed in and how they will be imported," Hassan said when addressing the media in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, adding that the vaccination will be conducted on a voluntary basis.

The head of state said a good number of international organizations have shown willingness to assist Tanzania in securing vaccines.

Hassan said the government has set aside 477 million U.S. dollars for importing the vaccines and for bailing out sectors that have been most affected by the pandemic.

She warned that the third wave of the pandemic has already swept across the country in which there are more than 100 COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals.

"Reports from border regions indicate that the situation is alarming," she said.

She reiterated her appeal to citizens to take precautionary measures including washing hands with running water and soap, wearing face masks at all times and always maintaining social distance.