Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has today lauded the Russian Government for the donation of the Covid 19 vaccines and said the consignment would contribute to the achievement of herd immunity in the country.
In his acceptance speech today at the handover of 25 000 doses of Russian’s Sputnik V vaccine provided by the Joint Venture ALROSA Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa said the vaccines would augment Government’s efforts to combat the spread of the Covid 19 pandemic in the country.
“On behalf of Government and the people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to express my gratitude to the Joint Venture ALROSA Zimbabwe for the generous donation. This Sputnik V vaccine consignment will augment the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid 19 pandemic through the National Vaccination Programme,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa added that apart from the consignment contributing to the achievement of herd immunity in the country, it also further attests to the commitment of the Russian Federation to enhance sustainable access to vaccines.
The President further said that the donation further amplifies the time tested and excellent relations that the two countries have nurtured and enjoyed since the days of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The Head of State further said the Zimbabwean Government was committed to expanding and consolidating relations with other nations. He said he was pleased with the foot prints of ALROSA through various mining investments. The President added that other investors from Russia were most welcome to also explore the various investment opportunities in the country.
President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to convey Zimbabwe’s best wishes for the successful celebrations of the Russian National Day to be celebrated tomorrow.
The Covid 19 vaccines received from Russia are expected to go a long way in contributing to the achievement of herd immunity in the country. Victoria Falls recently achieved herd immunity and that achievement is expected to cascade to other towns and areas. As of yesterday, a total of 690 452 people had been vaccinated against Covid 19 in the country.
