Deputy Minister of health and child care, Dr John Mangwiro has urged Zimbabweans to get vaccinated against the Covid -19 so as to protect themselves, others, the nation and the world at large against the novel corona virus.
Speaking during the launch of the private sector vaccination program in Harare today, Dr Mangwiro commended the private sector for joining the vaccination program so as to minimise the spread of the Covid -19
“Private sector has supported the Ministry’s COVID-19 testing initiatives, promoted and implemented the preventative and treatment protocols laid down by the ministry in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines and contributed to the equipping of both private and public health facilities to ensure they offer appropriate treatment to COVID-19 patients who require it. Indeed, the private sector has risen to the challenge and its own volition joined in the battle to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and its effects on those infected.” He said.
Dr Mangwiro urged Zimbabweans to accelerate the vaccination program so the the nation will reach the herd immunity soon.
“Fortunately, more and more people are coming to realise that it is important to be vaccinated to prevent the serious consequences that may occur if they become infected with the virus. The number of people being vaccinated throughout the country is increasing daily. However we need to accelerate the vaccination program so that we can reach herd immunity faster.
“COVID-19 is a reality in Zimbabwe as elsewhere. Those countries that have been most successful in overcoming it took early measures to prevent its spread. Those that did not and who were sceptical about its seriousness have paid the price for this and some have experienced huge numbers of infections and deaths from it.”
Meanwhile, the deputy minister Mangwiro said the scepticism about the Covid-19 vaccine especially the one used in Zimbabwe has been exacerbated by fake news circulating on social media.
He however commended the private sector for not listening to the fake news.
“We appreciate the steps taken by some of you to counter such fake news and misguided beliefs by providing information about the vaccines and how they were developed. I know that Cimas, which is the Program Technical Partner and Health Advisor to the Business Member Organisations, has been proactive in providing its own members with factual information about the vaccine.” He added.
The Private sector with representatives that were vaccinated today included, CIMAS, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), the chamber of mines, Horticultural Development Council, Insurance Council of Zimbabwe among others.
