By ZBC Reporter
GOVERNMENT is expecting to take delivery of the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines next week with the second batch expected on the first week of next month while USD 100 million has been set aside for the procurement of vaccines.
The vaccines to be received next week are the 200 000 doses of the SINOPHARM vaccines donated by the People’s Republic of China.
Briefing Journalists in Harare, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the SINOPHARM vaccine has a 76 to 86 percent efficacy which was endorsed by the World Health Organisation.
“Cabinet endorsed that Zimbabwe’s vaccination programme, in particular the choice of vaccines, need to be science-based, with adequate research and findings guiding decision-making and course action.
“Efforts to procure other COVID-19 vaccines such as Sputnik V (Victory) from Russia, among others, are under way. India, like China, has also offered a donation and an option to purchase commercially and modalities for this offer are still being worked out,” she said.
Senator Mutsvangwa said the COVID-19 vaccines will be administered to citizens freely indicating that the initial consignment will cater for frontline workers, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe.
The administration of covid-19 vaccinations in Zimbabwe will be on a voluntary basis.
“The Ministry of health and Child Care plans to vaccinate 60 % of the country’s population in order to achieve herd immunity (10 million people). A development plan mapping the priority groups for roll-out of the vaccine has already been developed. Already government has set aside US$100 million for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. Treasury will continue to ensure funding for procurement of other medical supplies including medicines and PPE in the fight against COVID-19,’ she said.