Harare, (New Ziana) – China on Tuesday listed Zimbabwe among the first developing nations to get free doses of the Chinese Covid-19 vaccine as countries battle to contain the pandemic.
A number of vaccines, whose efficacy in preventing infection and re-infection is however not 100 percent, are now available to reduce the spread of the virus which has killed millions globally.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said providing access to the vaccine was part of the country’s efforts to ensure greater accessibility and affordability by developing nations.
“First, apart from Pakistan, China is also providing vaccine aid to Brunei, Nepal, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Palestine, Belarus, Sierra Leon, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, altogether 13 developing countries.,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
“Going forward, we will also assist another 38 developing countries with vaccines.”
China and Zimbabwe enjoy very cordial all-round socio-political ties.
Zimbabwe, which is yet to get Covid-19 vaccines, has stressed that it is working to establish their safety first before they are eventually rolled out.
Government has said it has a budget of up to US$100 million to acquire doses of the vaccine to cover a part of the country’s population.
The country has since March last year recorded 33 548 cases of Covid-19 and 1 234 deaths.
To date, 79.2 percent of those who have been infected have recovered.
New Ziana
