Khaing Thukha, Arakan Army (AA) Information Officer, said that the COVID-19 vaccine received from the military council will be given priority to locals in six townships in northern Rakhine State.

He posted a message on his Facebook page in Rakhine language to inform the Rakhine people on September 21.

The AA said that about 40,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been received from the military council and it would give priority to local people in Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Maungdaw.

The Arakan Army (AA) is working hard to vaccinate all Rakhine people against COVID-19 and urges them not to miss out on the vaccine if given the chance, according to a statement issued by the AA last August.

Khine Thukha said there is no difference between goodwill and purpose. So, security measures would be taken seriously, and the situation would be monitored carefully.

Currently, nearly 230,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been allocated for Rakhine State and the military council plans to vaccinate 16 priority groups including members of the AA, government health workers who are over the age of 55, Private health workers, social aid workers and the disabled.