TINASHE MAKICHI
Zimbabwe is set to receive 5m syringes next month as it accelerates the vaccination programme.
The syringes to be procured will complement the 13 243 200 Covid 19 vaccines which have so far been procured, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told journalist at a post-Cabinet briefing this week.
This comes as Zimbabwe has recorded a drop in new infections during the week ended October 11. The daily average of new cases dropped to 10 per day from 19.
“This is attributed to the comprehensive response by theGovernment. There has been a general decline of Covid-19 cases reported in schools.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care remains on high alert to contain any surges in Covid-19 cases in learning institutions,” Mutsvangwa said.
As of October 11, a total of 3 176 744 people had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 2 417 442 their second dose across the country.
This translates to a national coverage of 37.3% for the first dose and 28.3% for the second.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dispatched a team to Chitungwiza City to raise awareness and ramp up vaccination efforts to raise vaccine uptake by residents in Chitungwiza,” Mutsvangwa said.
The government is ramping up vaccination to achieve herd immunity and also reduce the impact of the potential fourth wave.
Experts say once Zimbabwe reaches herd immunity, it can remove the remaining restrictions such as on gathering and the wearing of face masks.
