Laos has kicked off the COVID-19 vaccination drive for people aged over 60 with China's Sinopharm as it eyes to inoculate 50 percent of its 7.2-million population by the end of this year.

The World Health Organization and the Lao Ministry of Health have given the greenlight to vaccinating citizens aged over 60 with the Sinopharm vaccine, as well as those with underlying health conditions, according to a report released by Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Monday.

The country has already vaccinated frontline personnel at borders, medical workers as well as some citizens with the Sinopharm jab.

According to its health officials, more than 700,000 people in Laos have received the first dose while over 400,000 people have received the second dose. 

(With input from Xinhua)