RECENTLY, the Quadram Institute of researchers in conjunction with scientists from Zimbabwe published findings detailing how the SARS-CoV-2 variants were introduced and transmitted in Zimbabwe when the pandemic was first reported in March 2020. By Michael Gwarisa The Quadram Institute is a centre for food and health research stationed in the United Kingdom (UK), combining Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals’ endoscopy centre and aspects of the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School and the Faculty of Science. Even though Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom have…
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Zimbabwe receives nearly one million COVID-19 vaccine doses from COVAX
Zimbabwe has received 943,200 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the global COVAX Facility to complement ongoing national vaccine deployment. Health Reporter The vaccines have been received in tranches where the first batch arrived on 29th September and the second batch today, 01 October 2021. In a handover ceremony held this afternoon, Dr John Mangwiro, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care said, “We are grateful to all partners for their support in facilitating the arrival of the vaccines in our country.” The COVAX Facility is a global partnership comprised of the…
Read MoreCDC Tells UK To Reconsider Vaccination Linked Travel Ban
THE Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), a Specialised Technical Institution of the African Union, has issued a statement asking the United Kingdom (UK) government to reconsider their recent intended ban on travel for foreigners who would have received other vaccines outside the United Kingdon. According to the U.K government, the restrictions which will be enforced starting at 4:00 am on Monday 4th October 2021. According to U.K government sources1, the new rules will discriminate between the recipients of COVID-19 vaccines not based on the vaccine received…
Read MoreMSF Turns Heat On Global Leaders To Ensure Equitable Vaccines Distribution
THE Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is capitalising on the ongoing United Nations (UN) General Assembly to pressure leading global leaders and vaccines manufacturers to remove restrictions on vaccines access for low and middle income countries. By Michael Gwarisa Dr. Maria Guevara, the MSF International Medical Secretary who is attending the UN general assembly highlighted the urgent need for concrete actions that should be taken to turn a corner on the COVID-19 pandemic. The global response to the pandemic has failed to deliver equal and equitable access to date, with the…
Read MoreCOVID Third Wave Requires Social Media Influencers, Religious Leaders To Share Information Responsibly
ZIMBABWE and most of Africa are currently in their third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the first two, the current wave has had a very rapid spread across Africa, and also seems to be having a higher fatality rate. Zimbabwe has seen the highest numbers ever reported this week, reporting a record high of over 2600 cases in the past 24 hours, with 55 deaths. By Dr Grant Murewanhema There has also been widespread community transmission, with all 10 provinces reporting quite significant numbers of cases. Unlike in the…
Read MoreStrive Masiyiwa Blows Top Over Vaccine Apartheid…As Africa Battles Third Wave Without Vaccines
ZIMBABWEAN business mogul and African Union special envoy, Dr Strive Masiyiwa has taken a swipe at the COVAX facility’s for sidelining Africa and failing to deliver the 700 million vaccine doses to the continent as was initially agreed early this year. By Michael Gwarisa COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, abbreviated as COVAX, is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization (WHO). However, according to Dr Masiyiwa, the facility has not been…
Read MoreCompensation For COVAX Vaccine Recipients Who Develop Serious Reactions
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has signed a no -fault compensation deal which will see a lump-sum payment being made to recipients of the the COVAX vaccine who would have developed serious side effects and reaction getting paid for damages that would have occurred. By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization (WHO) and Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB), through ESIS Inc., a Chubb company, signed an agreement on behalf of the COVAX Facility on 17 February 2021 for the administration of a no-fault compensation programme for the 92 low- and middle-income…
Read MoreZim Will Only Use Safe And Approved Vaccines- President
PRESIDENT Emerson Mnangagwa has emphasized that government was not going to risk the health of the entire population by rolling out vaccines whose safety and efficacy has not been scientifically proven. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking in a Televised national address, President Mnangagwa said the country’s national response strategy has now reached a point whereby vaccines should be introduced as a second front preventive measures and only COVID-19 vaccines which have been scientifically ascertained to be safe will soon be be introduced for free and will be state funded. The National…
Read MoreEngage Communities First Before Rolling Out Vaccine, WHO Tells African Governments
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti says communities must be part of the COVID-19 vaccination process and should be be engaged earlier to create buy in from communities. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking during a virtual press conference that was facilitated by APO Group, Dr Moeti said Africa was still lagging behind in terms of readiness for the COVID-19 Vaccines Roll-out and more community awareness needed to be done before the vaccine distribution commences. Developing a safe and effective vaccine is just the first step…
Read MoreNine COVID-19 Vaccines Under Assessment- WHO
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus says at least nine vaccines are part of a dynamic portfolio; which is constantly being reviewed and optimised to ensure access to the best possible range of products. By Michael Gwarisa In a Press Statement, Dr Tedros said 172 countries were now engaging with the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility, which has both the largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in the world. At present there are nine vaccines that are part of this dynamic portfolio; which is constantly being reviewed…
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