The government has revealed that it has so far spent about US$93.2 million in procuring 11.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and 7.2 million syringes.
US$93.2 million is part of the US$100 million war chest set aside for the procurement of the lifesaving jabs.
The jabs are part of efforts to inoculate about 60 per cent of the Zimbabwean population to achieve herd immunity.
Giving a 2021 National Budget overview in Parliament, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said despite the US$100 million war chest, more resources are required to attain herd immunity.
‘’The country has embarked on a mass vaccination campaign as a long-term solution to save lives and livelihoods.
‘’The objective is to target herd immunity of 60% of the country’s population with US$100 million having been set aside for the purpose.
‘’To date, US$93.2 million has been spent towards procurement of 11.8 million doses vaccines and 7.2 million syringes. This has facilitated the delivery of 5.5 million doses and 5.2 million syringes
List of vaccines and syringes bought
• Sinovac 6.2 million doses: Procurement;
• Sinopharm 5 million doses: Procurement;
• Sinopharm 500 000 doses: Donation from China;
• Covaxine 35 000 doses: Donation from India;
• Sputnik V 50 000 doses: Donation from Russia;
• China Pharmaceutical Foreign Trade Corporatio:1.2 million syringes;
• Sinopharm: 3 million syringes; and
• Sinovac: 1 million syringes.
‘’Progress towards the desired 60% (herd immunity) will require mobilization of additional resources for the procurement of more vaccines, over and above the US$100 million resource envelope,’’ he said.
Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in the SADC region that have moved miles with the vaccination program.
Over 1.5 million people have been vaccinated against the virus across the country.
Cities such as Victoria Falls have already had 60 per cent of their population vaccinated.
The country has also opened up the vaccination program to citizens of its neighbouring countries. They however will be required to pay a fee for the jab.
Just recently private health institutions have also been enlisted to administer the jabs
