Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says the country has set aside about US$100 million for the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccines are seen as the only way around the social and economic effects of COVID-19.
Currently, there are over 20 vaccines that have shown positive signs against the deadly virus.
There was concerned with the Zimbabwean government’s silence on the issue of resources required to purchase the critical vaccines.
However, the finance minister has answered the question, indicating that Zimbabwe is targeting about 10 million people in the process.
“Zimbabwe treasury has set aside US$100 million for the acquisition of 20 million doses for the vaccination of 10 million people, to achieve head immunity. The government welcomes support from the private sector and development partners.
“The vaccine is cheaper than the costs of PPE, economic costs of lockdowns, and socio-psychological effects. With some innovative financial structuring and use of the 2020 budget surplus, we can purchase vaccines to inoculate the entire population of Zimbabwe,” he said.
It is not yet clear as to which vaccine the country will choose from those that have been approved and are on the market.
Mthuli Ncube revealed, “The government of Zimbabwe is negotiating with various sources of vaccines such as COVAX, China, India, Russia and AU initiative.
“The choice of vaccines to be acquired will be driven by availability, access, efficacy and pricing,” he said.
Vaccines will not be forced on people
According to former minister of health Henry Madzorera, the government must first conduct its own tests before settling for a particular vaccine.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is also on record saying the government will not force people to take the vaccines.
Health workers will be on the front line to receive critical jabs when they eventually arrive in the country.
It remains to be seen when the vaccines will arrive in the country. Some countries like South Africa have already started shipment of their vaccines. Get more COVID-19 Stats from CovidZW.info #OpenCovidContracts
Govt sets aside US$100m for COVID-19 vaccines
