Mexico launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign this week, with frontline nurse Maria Irene Ramirez making history as the first recipient. The Mexico City healthcare worker received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Thursday, marking a turning point in the country's battle against the pandemic.
๐จ Why it matters: A September report revealed Mexico has the world's highest COVID-19 death rate among healthcare workers, adding urgency to vaccine efforts. Over 7,300 medical professionals have reportedly died from the virus since the pandemic began.
๐ฌ 'This is hope for all of us,' Ramirez told local media after her vaccination. Health officials plan to prioritize medical staff and elderly residents in the initial rollout phase.
๐ Global context: Mexico joins a growing list of Latin American nations initiating mass vaccinations, though distribution challenges remain. The development comes as worldwide cases surpass 85 million.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com