The Namibian government on Friday started to roll out its COVID-19 inoculation program following the arrival of the Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Chinese government.

Deputy Minister of Health Utjiua Muinjangue became the first person in the country to receive the injection, kicking off the vaccination campaign that aims to vaccinate over 60% of the 2.5 million Namibians.

In an interview, she said she was happy to have been the first to lead by example and encouraged other Namibians to also follow suit.

"It is an honor for me to be one of the first people to get the injection. Despite concerns from people around the world who are scared to get vaccinated, I am not concerned at all, I have even encouraged my children to also get the vaccination," she said.

The vaccines will be distributed in the country's two big provinces where most cases were recorded which are Khomas and Erongo regions.

Muinjangue was also joined by a group of other health officials who work at two of the country's biggest state hospitals in Windhoek to receive their jabs as part of the government's efforts to encourage other citizens to take the vaccine.

According to the Health Ministry, phase one of the vaccination will prioritize frontline health workers, community health workers as well as those stationed at entry points to ensure that they are protected and that the health system remains functional and responsive to meet the needs.

The first phase of the vaccination period will run until April 19.