Mandatory Covid-19 jab an infringement of human rights

ZAMBIA is most likely to experience the fourth wave of the coronavirus variant commonly known as Omicron. This form of coronavirus which is reported to spread rapidly has been recorded in Botswana and South Africa.

The Omicron variant does not show any symptoms and it is said to be the most deadly unlike the previous waves of the coronavirus pandemic which had caused morbidity across the world.

The Minister of Health, Ms Sylvia Masebo last Tuesday disclosed during a briefing that getting vaccinated is mandatory. This implies that every person should get vaccinated at the nearest clinic or hospital.

Ms Masebo also stated that access to the public places should only be for those with the documentary evidence that they got vaccinated. She also stated that the civil servants should present the vaccination certificates before being allowed at the place of work.

But, a few days later, Ms Masebo rescinded her decision on mandatory coronavirus vaccines, saying that getting the coronavirus jab is not mandatory.

This followed mixed reactions from the general public and the stakeholders.

As much as people appreciate the effort the government is making in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, there is no need to make the coronavirus vaccination mandatory.

The fact is the mandatory vaccination for coronavirus is tantamount to the infringement of human rights. This should not be the case.

However, the surging number of people accessing vaccines at the clinics and the hospitals is overwhelming. This is encouraging.

The notable thing is that people should not drop the guard against the coronavirus pandemic. They should continue adhering to Covid-19 preventive measures. These include maintaining social distance, masking up, washing hands with soap, avoiding overcrowded places and getting vaccinated.

In conclusion, we appreciate the jab against the fourth wave of the coronavirus known as Omicron. But, this should not be mandatory because it infringes on people’s rights.

ELEMIYA PHIRI,

Lusaka.