Cambodia receives first batch of China's COVID-19 vaccines

Cambodian medical staff stand near refrigeration vehicles at the Preah Ket Mealea Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 3, 2021. A team of Chinese vaccine specialists have provided training to Cambodian medical staff on how to use the anti-COVID-19 vaccine ahead of its arrival.Photo:Xinhua

The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia donated by China's Sinopharm arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday.

Cambodian Ministry of Health authorized the emergency use of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, saying that "the vaccine is used safely in China and other countries."

The vaccines will be provided free-of-charge to people who are at a high risk of getting infections such as medics, teachers, bodyguards, armed forces, tuk-tuk and taxi drivers, and garbage collectors, among others.