Chronicle Editor
Zimbabwe, Egypt, Lesotho and Morocco are the four African countries leading in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF)-World Health Organisation (WHO) Covid-19 vaccine supply tracker says the four countries have procured vaccines enough for 98 percent of their citizens.
Zimbabwe has rolled out a mass vaccination programme in both urban and rural areas and the response is overwhelming. Government which is being complemented by the private sector, has been able to supply adequate vaccines for the programme.
“The IMF-WHO vaccine supply tracker recognises Zimbabwe’s efforts in securing vaccines for 98 percent of its population, one of a few African countries to achieve such a monumental milestone,” said the WHO report.
Government which has said the people’s health comes first, has committed a lot of resources for the procurement of vaccines so that there are adequate stocks at any given time.
The country is expecting 2,5 million doses of the vaccines through direct purchase this month and another 3,5 million doses next month.
Another five million doses of the recently approved Johnson and Johnson vaccine from the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) is set to be delivered in the coming few weeks.
The African Union (AU), Unicef and AVAT have partnered to ensure seamless procurement and delivery of vaccines to AU member states.
Zimbabwe’s private companies are also availing funds for the procurement of vaccines for their employees.
This is a commendable move by the companies which is complementing Government efforts to fight the pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic is not only disrupting economic activities but is decimating the country’s workforce hence the commendable move by the private companies to join hands with Government in fighting the pandemic.
Zimbabwe’s capacity to sustain the Covid-19 vaccination programme should not be taken for granted as many countries across the globe are struggling to meet the demand for vaccines.
WHO is in fact calling for a moratorium on boosters until at least end of September to enable at least 10 percent of the population of every country to be vaccinated, a confirmation that Zimbabwe is far ahead. Zimbabwe is in fact among the countries where a number of people have received the second dose.
We want at this juncture to implore the Government and the private sector to keep up the momentum so that the country can achieve herd immunity in the shortest possible time.
Online Reporter