703 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 29th of February 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 236 871 after 491 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Manicaland with 153 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 28thFebruary 2022, was: 43 hospitalised cases: 12 New Admissions, 0 Asymptomatic cases, 36 mild-to-moderate cases, 4 severe cases and 3 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 3 706 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 361 564. A total of 3 260 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 396 934. A total of 3 443 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 126 468. Active cases went up to 4 744. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The total number of recoveries went up to 226 732 increasing by 338 recoveries. The death toll remained at 5 395, as no new deaths were recorded.
Area of Concern
Slow Pace of Vaccination
We highlight the continued slow pace of the vaccination programme. We remain concerned that whilst in comparison to others Zimbabwe vaccination is performing well, we continue to gauge against our own national standards as set in the National Vaccination Program which we continue to fail to meet. With the reduction of the lockdown to level 2, resulting in increased socio-economic activities, the low levels of vaccination still present a clear and present danger to the potential rise of the pandemic once more, especially in areas such as Manicaland Province, which lately, have been recording an increase in COVID-19 cases.
- We continue to urge support for increased vaccination uptake including spread of vaccine centres to economic and social centres and a different messaging tool to ensure that those who seek vaccination can access vaccines.
- We call for Government to shed light on public concerns on the expiry rate of vaccines to dispel fears in the public domain.
- We call for the Government to support the storage facilities of vaccines in rural communities and other marginalised communities, to ensure meaningful inclusion of all marginalized groups considering the slow vaccination drive.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
