ZIMBABWE AIDS Network says nothing is being said of people with pre-existing health conditions being described as most vulnerable to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
By Kudakwashe Pembere
The Country’s Treasury boss, the Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said they are looking at vulnerable populations to hunger, poverty, with Government committing a ZWL$200 million kitty for one million vulnerable persons which is yet to be disbursed. Despite this move coming with noble intentions, nothing was said of securing the lives of the high risk population of COVID-19, people with underlying illnesses such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes.
“Other health conditions and diseases – unclear modalities to ensure individuals experiencing other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer continue to access the usual treatment, care and support,” said the mother body coordinating programs of over 200 health civil society organisations.
ZAN also acknowledged the bold decision and subsequent actions by the Government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic despite the inherent limitations.
ZAN decried the , “testing coverage- which remains comparatively low at 410 which may reflect limited capacity in the wake of high chances that the pandemic is spreading across the country.”
ZAN added they note conflicting and inconsistent statements on the testing procedures, reporting and tabulation of results.
“Relatively higher mortality rate of 27% and nil recoveries from the 11 cases confirmed to date, in comparative terms to other countries in SADC,” said ZAN.
Observed ZAN, “National Lockdown inconsistences in the implementation have been exemplified by high concentration of people in some congregate settings where social distancing is not adhered to.
“Safety nets: the implementation
modalities are unclear but there are
reportedly agencies identifying the
beneficiaries.
“Awareness raising- some parts of the country remain without the correct messaging leaving them vulnerable to
misinformation.”
Regarding coordination of the COVID-19 Response, ZAN found there is a weak central mechanism to account for the various streams of support and multiple interventions.
“Enforcement and Policing – risk of current approaches infringing on individuals enjoyment of their right to health and protection from conditions that increase the risk of illness.
ZAN believes the issues highlighted here and elsewhere are significant to building stakeholder confidence. Civil Society remains committed to collaborate and coordinate its
efforts with the Goverment of Zimbabwe,” said the organisation.
As of April 9, 2020, Zimbabwe reported 11 cases and three deaths.
