Harare (New Ziana) – President Emerson Mnangagwa on Sunday rallied Zimbabweans to embrace the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination programme as it was the best way to defeat the deadly virus.

Zimbabwe commenced its COVID-19 vaccination programme late last month using the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, targeting frontline workers first.

The government has also authorised the emergency use of other vaccines including the Russian made Sputnik V, another Chinese manufactured vaccine Sinovac and the Indian made Covaxin vaccine.

These are due to arrive in the country soon for a broader roll-out of the vaccination programme.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans had a special role to play in the fight against the disease.

“Since 2020, Zimbabwe like the rest of the world, has been fighting COVID-19, we have lost many of our loved ones and those who have survived are still coming to terms with the trauma, our way of life has changed as we adjust to the new normal,” he said in a short video posted on his social media accounts.

“Many have been asking, is there a way out? Is there protection against COVID-19? Well, I am here to tell you that you and I have a role to play in this fight. COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to Zimbabwe, these vaccines help minimise the risk of infection and are being administered all over Zimbabwe free of charge.

“You and I need to defeat the disease. So get vaccinated now, this is our stand against COVID-19, together we will conquer, get vaccinated now.”

So far, over 35 000 frontline workers – mainly medical staff – have received their first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine.
New Ziana