Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the comprehensive Covid-19 national preparedness and response strategic plan being implemented by Government in partnership with other stakeholders has been successful.

The President said that in the spirit of leaving no one behind, the Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring a vaccinated world.
Addressing a virtual dialogue on the Covid-19 pandemic response, convened by US President Joe Biden, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said, the country has learnt valuable lessons in disaster response and preparedness.
“In March 2020, Zimbabwe recorded the first Covid-19 case marking the beginning of the pandemic in our jurisdiction. Faced with a frail health system brought about by a multiplicity of factors mainly induced by years of economic sanctions, my government in partnership with other stakeholders is implementing the comprehensive Covid-19 national preparedness and response strategic plan with remarkable successes.

“These include the capacitation of health institutions, health service personnel and front line workers to adequately respond to the pandemic, the goal being to prevent, contain and mitigate the pandemic in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa said as the world grapples with debate around vaccine equity and financing in flattening the covid-19 curve, the Zimbabwean Government has put in place financial resources that have so far contributed significantly to saving lives.

“A timely and bold decision to set aside fiscal resources against other demanding national needs, for the purchase of vaccines and other exigencies paid off. Through a robust national vaccination programme my Government remains committed to provide free, safe and convenient vaccination. We are on course to achieve national herd immunity thereby playing our part towards ensuring a vaccinated world. Internal capacities to produce Personal Protective Equipment, as well as my Government’s recent unveiling of an oxygen plant with capacity to produce medical oxygen for internal needs, as well as for exports are contributing to my country’s quest to save lives now,” said the President.

Zimbabwe is currently undertaking an intra-action review of the country’s response to the deadly pandemic in a bid to draw lessons and document achievements and opportunities.
The Second Republic is on a drive to ensure that no one is left behind in the field of health care hence over 5 million doses inclusive of the first and second jab have been administered.

To date, a total of 2 992 348 people (13, 7% of the total population) have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile as at 22 September 2021, the country had 128 804 confirmed cases, including 121 653 recoveries and 4 592 deaths.