Expert appeals for more sensitisation on vaccines
ZAMBIAN scientists should enhance public engagement on Covid-19 vaccines, DZIWA Science and Technology Trust (DsaT) has advised.
DSaT Executive Director, Veronica Mwaba, said there was need for Government to adequately sensitize society on the benefits of the vaccinations to curb the pandemic.
Ms Mwaba advised that the sensitization should be carefully structured, tracked and measured as the vaccines were being rolled out.
She said this in an interview in Kitwe
"Public engagement is critical. An early survey by the Ministry of Health could help to concretely establish the public's thoughts about the vaccine, the exact fears they have and what they suggest to be done before the vaccinations begin," she said.
She said it was saddening to note that Covid-19 cases had continued to devastate humans in the world and Zambia was no exception.
Ms Mwaba however welcomed the development of vaccines to curb the pandemic.
She said it was important that the Ministry of Health note that inoculations could be rejected if society did not have adequate information from credible sources.
"Today, with the advent of modern technologies, the irresponsible use of social media and credible sources of information could fuel rejection of the Vaccine.
"It is important to note that local knowledge is critical. Therefore, Zambian Scientists should compete for space and educate the masses to believe in the Science," she said.