THE setting is Mahatma Gandhi grounds in Lusaka’s Mtendere Township. And scores of people are gathered to witness the official launch of the 2nd COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Yes, the country, which currently sits at 52 percent of the national herd immunity, has set itself an ambitious target of getting to the internationally required 70 percent herd immunity.
“I am yet to be vaccinated,” says Alick Mwale, a Mtendere resident. “That is why I have come here to hear for myself the stories they say about the vaccines.”
Mr Mwale, like many others who are yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19, has been skeptical taking the jab because of the myths that he has heard about it.
“I have heard a lot of bad stories about it. That is why I am just from having a chat with that nurse there, asking about the safety of the vaccine. I think I will take it with time, we shall see how it goes,” he says.
Another Mtendere resident, Derrick Phiri, was among the people who had spared some time to be at the Mahatma Ghandi grounds to learn about the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Mr Phiri was brought to the venue by his older sister, who is already vaccinated and wants to get a booster jab.
“I will get the vaccine,” he says. “My sister has recommended that I get the AstraZeneca because it is the one that she got and it didn’t give her any problems.”
His sister, only identified as Bridget, says: “There is nothing scary about these vaccines. It is better to get the vaccine and forget about worrying about COVID-19. At least you know you are partially protected even if they say it [vaccine] is not a cure.”
Previously, vaccination campaigns were implemented by the Ministry of Health, but not anymore.
Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo announced at the venue that, as part of the decentralisation policy, Government has decided to delegate to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development activities such as sensitisation campaigns.
This, according to her, is to ensure that the information trickles down to the intended people in the communities.
“Going forward, such events will be officiated by local councils because they are the ones on the ground and they are the ones in touch with the communities – the actual people who need this information,” she said.
It is no wonder that Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Garry Nkombo was guest of honour at the event.
In his speech, Mr Nkombo called for heightened awareness in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to attain the internationally required 70 percent herd immunity.
He observed with dismay a resurgence of respiratory diseases since the relaxation of the COVID-19 guidelines such as cessation of the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places. He said much as the COVID-19 positivity rate has reduced, the pandemic has not been eradicated.
“You are all encouraged to get vaccinated. It’s not a secret that at the peak of the pandemic last year, we lost a lot of people. Government remains committed to improving health systems in the country and to attaining universal health coverage status,” Mr Nkombo said.
He added: “This campaign must be a reminder that our country has not yet achieved the desired target. Let’s play a role and encourage each other to ensure that every eligible person is fully vaccinated against the COVID-19.”
Mr Nkombo said vaccination has demonstrated to have a high impact, owing to how the number of hospitalisations and deaths have dwindled from the time the country started administering vaccines.
Currently, Zambia stands at about 56 per cent herd immunity against COVID-19.
At the same function, World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Nathan Bakyaita commended Government for the dedication and commitment to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Bakyaita said WHO will continue to collaborate with Government through the Ministry of Health to fight COVID-19.
“This pandemic has crippled a lot of economies and ensuring that we vaccinate many people will see us return to a semblance of normalcy,” he said.
He said at the current rate, Zambia is on course to achieving the required 70 percent herd immunity target and WHO remains committed to supporting the country.
UNICEF acting country representative Benjamin Meyer said with the vaccination campaign, Zambia stands ready to meet its target by the end of the year.
“We have been working closely with many other cooperating partners to provide vaccines since April last year,” he said.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) country director Dr Andrew Auld said the U.S government is fully committed to supporting Zambia in her vaccination drive.
Dr Auld said a significant number of eligible people still remain to be vaccinated.
“Please, continue to get vaccinated. The vaccines are readily available and the US government has donated over six million vaccines,” he said.
Lusaka Province minister Sheal Mulyata, in a speech read for her by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mike Mposha, who is Munali Constituency Member of Parliament, said the province has adequate vaccines, and personnel has already been dispatched to various centres for the vaccination campaign.
Ms Mulyata urged all stakeholders to continue championing the response in a multi-sectoral manner.
The campaign, which is being held under the theme: ‘COVID-19 is not yet over. Get vaccinated today, protect yourself, family and your community’, is running from 3rd October to 12th October.
Not too long ago, USAID Discover Health deputy director Mutinta Nyumbu urged people not to drop their guard against COVID-19.
At provincial level, North-Western, Copperbelt and Central provinces have all reached the internationally required 70 percent COVID-19 herd immunity.
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