Southern Province Minister Announces Sustained Rise In COVID-19 Vaccinations

Cornelius Mweetwa, Southern Province Minister, has announced that the region has continued to record a rise in the number of COVID-19 vaccinations. So far the province has seen 33%, of the 70% goal, having been achieved.

The Minister outlined that the programme's success was largely due to a series of robust strategies and policies employed by the government to control the spread of the virus.

He stated that the inclusion of all stakeholders, such as traditional leaders is a key policy to ensure that the country can mobilise the community to get their vaccination. He outlined that through this effort he believed that the 70% vaccination target will be met.

He encouraged joint participation by saying, “if we work together we shall surely win this fight against COVID-19.”

The announcement came during a speech written by Mr Mweetwa yesterday. The speech was read by Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, during the relaunch of the province’s COVID-19 campaign.

Furthermore, Harry Kamboni, Kalomo Member of Parliament, encouraged health workers to use their knowledge of health to distribute correct information on the importance of the vaccination as opposed to seeking medical advice from traditional leaders.

He outlined that he and the president had worked hard to mobilize vaccinations and make sure that they were available throughout the country.  

Clive Banda, the acting Provincial Health Director, also announced that there will be a sustained supply of vaccines to all eligible age groups, starting at 12 years old.

He said, “the Ministry is ready to supply the vaccination what is needed is the uptake.”

The statement came as the Minister received his COVID-19 booster jab. During the relaunch, he said, “I am leading by example, this is my booster shot, I did all the jabs.”

The news reflects a major victory in the fight against COVID-19 and a return to normal for the country, a larger provision of vaccines will result in stronger immunity against the virus, saving lives.

Photo: Lusaka Times