Harare (New Ziana) – The local private sector has committed to availing resources to complement the government in procuring COVID-19 vaccines, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Already, the government has set aside USD100 million for the procurement of vaccines, while additional doses are also expected from the World Health Organisation led COVAX facility and the Chinese government.

In a statement, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said:“Following constructive engagements between the government, private sector and well-wishing citizens, in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, government welcomes and appreciates the offer by the private sector to complement government’s resource commitment by contributing its own resources towards the effort.”

“It is in this context that government is announcing this broader private sector initiative to the corporate sector, citizens and other well-wishers to contribute financially and or otherwise towards the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.”

Donations and contributions for this initiative can be sent directly to the National Disaster Fund.
Ncube emphasised that Zimbabweans will receive the vaccines free of charge.

“Government fully acknowledges and appreciates the support and co-operation so far received from the private sector and is committed to ensure that these partnerships are deepened for the national good.”

The private sector has played a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19 since the outbreak last year, donating money, goods and personal protective equipment to the national cause.
New Ziana