Thrive for Herd Immunity with Strategy: Government Told
Ronald Chigwada
In an effort to hit the targeted herd immunity by year-end, health experts and civil society organisations reiterate that the government should disclose information concerning the number of deaths and of those who experienced side effects after taking COVID-19 vaccines in order to build confidence and push for voluntary vaccine program.
Former health minister Henry Madzorera has joined the calls urging the government to disclose information concerning the number of deaths and people affected after taking COVID-19 vaccines.
He noted that sharing of information concerning the number of deaths and people affected after taking COVID-19 vaccines will enable citizens to trust the program and make informed decisions.
In a letter directed to the government, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says the state should embark on a mass education campaign to disseminate information on vaccination to mitigate vaccination hesitancy and hit the desired herd immunity.
“ARTUZ has been on the forefront encouraging teachers to get the vaccination as a way of containing the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, however, the Union is completely against mandatory vaccination”, reads the report.
Amongst other stumbling blocks towards reaching the desired herd immunity by year-end, Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI) research yielded that the incapacitation of health staff is a major push for the selling of vaccination cards to unvaccinated people by corrupt nurses.
“These unfortunate incidences distort the county’s COVID-19 vaccination data and information and give a wrong impression on vaccination progress,” said ZDI
Before the vaccination roll out, civil organisations had appealed to the government to educate citizens on vaccines in order to carry a smooth and successful program.
According to the ministry of health and child care, as of 8 October 2021, only 16.0% across the country is fully vaccinated against 60% herd immunity target.
