Algeria will start production of COVID-19 vaccine Sinovac in partnership with China on Wednesday with the aim of meeting domestic demand and exporting the surplus, the Prime Minister’s office said on Tuesday.

The government has said production capacity will stand at 1 million, 2 million and 3 million doses in October, November and December respectively, before reaching 5 million doses per month from January.

The North African country has been importing vaccines, mainly Sinovac, since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020.

The government aims to vaccinate 70% of Algeria’s 45 million people. The Sinovac vaccine will be produced in the eastern city of Constantine in partnership with state pharmaceutical products company Saidal.

Algeria also plans to begin production of Russia’s Sputnik Vaccine by the end of this year.

Procuring of Sinovac

In July, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) outlined the processes to be taken by government and health authorities in procuring Sinovac’s COVID-19 jab.

SAHPRA authorised Sinovac’s CoronaVac jab for use with conditions under Section 21.

The double-dose shot, developed by a Chinese pharmaceutical group, is approved for people between the ages of 18 to 59.