BEIJING: China has achieved a Covid-19 vaccination rate of more than 85%.

       Those vaccinated received three doses, said Premier Li Keqiang.

       "Local outbreaks were suppressed in an effective and quick manner.

       "By making these efforts, we ensured the health and safety of the people and maintained normal order in work and life,” he added when delivering the country's government work report at the opening of the National People's Congress (NPC) here on Saturday (March 5) morning.

       Meanwhile, at a press conference on Friday (March 4), NPC spokesman Zhang Yesui said China has, so far, provided more than 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organisations.

       He added another one billion doses would be sent to African nations to help the continent achieve a 60% vaccination rate by this year.

       Zhang also defended the country's strict epidemic prevention and control measures, saying these had contributed to making China one of the most successful countries in fighting Covid-19.