Namibia will launch its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Friday after receiving the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine from China, Minister of Health Kalumbi Shangula said on Tuesday.

Shangula who thanked China for the goodwill gesture said the vaccination campaign will kick start under Phase one from March 19 to April 16, 2021 in selected districts.

The Namibian minister also expressed confidence in the efficacy of the Sinopharm vaccine saying it has been used elsewhere in the continent.

"The vaccine has been rolled out in countries such as China, Seychelles, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe and others," Shangula said.

He said clients will be observed for 30 minutes after vaccination and are encouraged to report telephonically or visit the nearest health facility if they experience any potential side effects or adverse event following immunization.

The initial vaccination will be done in Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund which have been the most affected areas by the pandemic.