668 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 25th of January 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 228 776 after 235 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Mashonaland West with 67 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 24 January 2022, was: 117 hospitalised cases: 7 New Admissions, 5 Asymptomatic cases, 92 mild-to-moderate cases, 11 severe cases and 9 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 3 513 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 248 300. A total of 4 076 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 277 002. A total of 2 815 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 46 707. Active cases went down to 8 102. The recovery rate remains at 94%. The total number of recoveries went up to 215 358 increasing by 1 250 recoveries. The death toll went up to 5 316 after 11 deaths were recorded.
Critical Emerging Issue
Low Vaccination Uptake
We note with appreciation, a decline in COVID-19 daily infections rate. We further note, however with concern, little uptake of the third dose/booster vaccine amongst citizens. We emphasize that the low numbers could suggest renewed vaccine hesitancy and fatigue amongst communities.
- We therefore amplify recommendation for a robust revival of the awareness campaign and community mobilisation on vaccination, especially the 3rd dose /booster shots.
- We continue to urge easy access to information regarding booster shots, by all citizens, especially targeted vulnerable groups and communities such as persons with disabilities, various subgroups of women, rural populace and those in hard-to-reach areas.
Outstanding Issue
Protecting Frontline Workers and Uninterrupted Access to Healthcare Services
We are concerned by the reports highlighting that the number of health workers testing positive for COVID-19. This is distressing as we note that more and more health workers continue to be infected by the deadly virus on a daily basis. We therefore amplify concerns with the safety of health workers nationwide.
- We therefore reiterate the prioritisation of the safety of frontline workers, as this impacts on the country’s level of success and efficiency towards containment of the pandemic.
- We urge provision of adequate PPE and training of all frontline responders regarding handling of this ever-evolving COVID-19 virus, in order to minimize their risk of exposure.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
