Zimbabwe Lockdown: Day 553 – WCOZ Situation Report

553 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 2nd of October 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 131 094 after 66 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Manicaland with 24 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 1 October 2021 was 97 hospitalised cases: 3 New Admissions, 12 Asymptomatic cases, 61 mild-to-moderate cases, 18 severe cases and 6 cases in Intensive Care Units.

Active cases went down to 2 932. The total number of recoveries went up to 123 537 increasing by 139 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 94%. A total of 8 711 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 106 102. A total of 13 154 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 302 367. The death toll went up to 4 625 after 1 new death was recorded.

Critical Emerging Issue

Shortages of 2nd Dose of COVAXIN

We continue to highlight reports indicating shortages of the second doses of the COVAXIN for citizens who were vaccinated in May 2021. We highlight the undue stress, trauma, complete lack of support being experienced by this group of persons. Furthermore, we highlight the lack of information surrounding this issue as citizens report being sent pillar-to-post with inadequate information and confusing vaccination advice. As such, we are persistently alarmed at the zero to limited efforts being made to adequately inform and advise this group of citizens. We note that of the 75 000 pledged doses of COVAXIN, reports show that only 35 000 doses have been received thus far from the Government of India. The shortfall of 40 000 doses and delays in delivery, five months later may cause a stain on the vaccination program. We urge Government not to ignore this crisis and issue a public position directly addressing the plight of COVAXIN patients.

• We call for immediate release of medical advice to support citizens in having a substantive roadmap to securing their vaccination status, especially in the midst of blanket vaccination mandate, which is unable to cope with the reality of the Zimbabwe’s response to the pandemic on the ground.

Outstanding issues

Zimbabwe receives first batch of COVAX facility Vaccines

We note the receipt of 943,200 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the global COVAX Facility which is supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the WHO to support global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The doses received on the 29th of September 2021 and the 1st of October 2021, join the 12 million doses already procured by the Government of Zimbabwe to support the national vaccine programs. The receipt of these doses increases the availability of vaccines in Zimbabwe and supports the government to ensure that all persons eligible for vaccination have equal access to secure such vaccines.
We continue to commend the work the COVAX facility to ensure equitable access to vaccines and reduce the discrepancies between rich and poor nations in securing doses of the vaccines.

• We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to continue to support measures to ensure vaccine stock are well kept and safe under the applicable conditions.
• We continue to call upon the Government to consider innovative and creative ways to ensure that the high vaccine roll out is supported by increased vaccination points and opportunities in hard to access communities and spaces.

Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe