Manipulative, deceptive politics on COVID-19 vaccine procurement

THE Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI) has produced a June 2021 monitoring report pertaining to access to public health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.

The report dissects the availability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines across various communities in Zimbabwe.

Among other recommendations proffered by the report, the ZDI urges government to ensure the availability of adequate and high quality COVID-19 vaccines in the context of a recent spike in COVID-19 infections to enable every willing citizen to be vaccinated in line with its constitutional mandate of guaranteeing every citizen’s access to basic healthcare services.

The period under review was characterised by an increase in both COVID-19 infections and deaths globally, regionally and locally.

On May 31, 2021, infections in Zimbabwe were more than 38 000 and deaths stood at close to 1 600.

By June 22, 2021, the country had recorded a total of 42 714, signalling a 9,6 % increase in confirmed cases between May 31, 2021 and June 22, 2021.

During the same period, COVID-19 deaths increased by 5,9 % from 1 596 (May 31, 2021) to 1 691 (June 22, 2021).

These figures signal the continued threat of COVID-19 to human existence and, therefore, calls for government urgency in the procurement of vaccines.

The country’s vaccination plan has been hit by vaccine shortages as supported by empirical evidence.

For instance, between May 31, 2021 and June 22, 2021, the number of people who were vaccinated increased by a mere 4,5% as compared to 63% between April 30, 2021 and May 31, 2021.

In response to a surge in infections, government on June 12, 2021 announced adjustments to the pandemic containment measures which, however, face defiance from members of the ruling Zanu PF party.

Government continues to play manipulative politics on COVID-19 vaccine acquisition as citizens bear the brunt of doses shortages across vaccination centres in the country.