Chronicle Editor
Tinotendashe Ndlovu, Midlands Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has deployed medical staff to Mberengwa district to conduct a week-long Covid-19 mass vaccination as part of the military’s community outreach programme.
The soldiers will be stationed at Negove Clinic under Chief Negove.
Annually, the AFZ and the Zimbabwe National Army undertake community outreach programmes ahead of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day commemorations.
Meanwhile, the AFZ Charity Fund whose patron is the AFZ commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo yesterday donated medical consumables and kits to Negove Clinic.
The clinic was also refurbished and equipped by the AFZ.
The donation was handed over to the clinic by Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base Commander, Air Commodore, Marcelino Jaya.
Speaking during the handover of the donation, Air Commodore Jaya said the ZDF will continue to work with the communities to improve their livelihoods.
“We meet again when we as the ZDF are busy working on various life improving projects within our communities across the country. Every year as a prelude to our Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day in August, we dedicate the first week of the month to go out and do assistance work around communities across Zimbabwe,” he said.
Air Commodore Jaya said members of the Air Force medical team had been deployed in Mberengwa for a week from 1 August to assist in the vaccination programme.
He however bemoaned the low uptake of the vaccines in rural areas and said he hoped the deployment of AFZ team will improve the situation in Mberengwa.
“I am happy to be here once again at Negove Clinic on behalf of the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, and patron of the Air Force Charity Fund, Air Marshal Elson Moyo, to give to the clinic an assortment of medical items that we sourced from friends and well-wishers.
We must accept that it is not an easy undertaking to extend a helping hand during such hard times when the nation and world at large are so strained by this ravaging Covid -19 pandemic,” he said.
Air Commodore Jaya said members of the ZDF medical team were complementing Government efforts to protect citizens through vaccination.
“Our medical staff moved into the communities from 1 August and shall be in Mberengwa for a week. It has been observed that there is low uptake of Covid- 19 vaccination in rural areas hence we are here to help in the programme to make sure more people are vaccinated,” he said.
Air Commodore Jaya implored villagers to be wary of the deadly Covid -19 pandemic and take measures to curb its spread.
“Remember to always put on your masks when in public and sanitise your hands when you get to new places and keep social distance,” he said.
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