JAB LAG: Many cry of Covid Vaccine aftermath
Favouritism and corruption alleged in vaccine roll-out
Scores of Batswana cross the border in vaccine tourism
Some irate members of the public have decried alleged “favouritism” and “corruption” in the roll-out of the vaccine, claiming that some health workers gave preference and priority to their family and friends, some who didn’t even fall into the age 45 and above category. They also claim that it was difficult to secure the allegedly “best” vaccine, supposedly Johnson and Johnson, which has been a favourite among the public because only a single jab is administered and there is no repeat inoculation.
This reporter spoke to a few individuals who are disappointed that they had not received the jab, claimed that when the vaccines arrived some health workers and officials informed those close to them and “kept the vaccine for them.”
When the announcement for the arrival of the Phase 2 batch of vaccines was made recently, scores of people flocked the centres but some were turned back because the vaccines were depleted in no time. By last week, some disgruntled individuals claimed that some shady health officials and influential individuals with “connections” were using the vaccine as bate to solicit lewd favours. The common joke is that some folk sent messages that read: “Ncheka baby, ke tla go kenta!” (Visit me baby, I will arrange for you to get vaccinated). Some were told: “O mpona leng ne motho, ke tshwere Johnson… bua le nna.” (Talk to me ‘special person,’ I can offer you a dose of Johnson&Johnson). Despite the current phase being for ages 45 and above, some individuals out of this age, mostly youth, have been vaccinated, according to some insiders. However, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has dismissed claims of favouritism reiterating that vaccination is carried out in accordance with registration on portals and turn up at different vaccination sites. Phase 2 of the vaccine drive in Greater Gaborone recently ended after Government ran out of vaccinations just four days after allocation due to the high turnout at public vaccinations sites, according to the District Health Management (DHM) team. The DHM team further indicated that priority groups such as teachers, students, diplomats, security personnel and other frontline workers would continue to get their doses. DHM team confirmed that a little over 278,000 people have received their first dose, while approximately 192,000 are fully vaccinated.
With the current crop of vaccine depleted, scores of Batswana recently turned to South Africa to go and get their jab there because there are fewer queues and an excess of vaccines. Deputy coordinator of the Covid19 Task Force team, Mosepele Mosepele recently conceded to this development and noted that vaccine tourism is common and is a practice that has been in existence for a long time. He noted that countries do not limit vaccines for locals only, adding that in Botswana, immigrants would also be included in the vaccination drive. “Vaccinations are inclusive of foreigners also because they would still need to be cared for in local health facilities in the event that they fall ill,” he said. Mosepele added that there has been a drop in active cases and number of deaths from Covid-19, suggesting that the disease spread has slowed down.