from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE aims to vaccinate 10 million people, after receiving its first coronavirus vaccine doses.
China made available the 200 000 doses, which arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in the capital, Harare, on Monday.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also Health and Child Care Minister, presided over the reception ceremony.
He confirmed the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa ultimately would vaccinate a majority of its 14,8 million people against the virus.
“This is a timely donation given the recent ravages and tragedies that visited our nation through the pandemic,” Chiwenga said.
Zimbabwe recently experienced a second wave of the COVID-19 but the transmission rate has been declining.
The Southern African country has recorded 1 400 deaths from 31 572 cases.
Among the deceased are several members of the cabinet or government and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) officials.
China’s making the COVID-19 vaccine doses solidifies the relationship with Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe adopted a so-called ‘Look East policy’ after relations were strained with western nations over the past two decades.
Mnangagwa thanked the Asian nation for the vaccines.
“We are most grateful for this life-saving gesture” he stated ahead of the arrival of the vaccines.
– CAJ News