HARARE – Zimbabwe received a donation of 25,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine on Friday amid stinging shortages that health experts say have already wrecked the country’s long-shot target of achieving herd immunity by year-end.
Taking delivery at a ceremony in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa thanked Alrosa Zimbabwe Ltd – a diamond mining joint venture with the Russians – for the present, saying it was a “joyous occasion of reflection.”
“This Sputnik V vaccine consignment will augment the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic through the National Vaccination Programme,” Mnangagwa said.
“It further attests to the commitment of the Russian Federation to enhance sustainable access to vaccines. Today’s ceremony amplifies the time-tested and excellent relations that Zimbabwe and Russia have nurtured and continue to enjoy, dating back to our struggle for independence.”
Mnangagwa added that “our country cherishes the deep-rooted friendship, mutual support and cooperation” with Russia.
Zimbabwe has authorised the use of four vaccines for emergency purposes as it chases an unrealistic target of inoculating 10 million people or 70 percent of its population against coronavirus by December this year.
Current shortages of the predominant Sinopharm and Sinovac doses from China have shattered that dream, leaving more than 300,000 citizens in desperate need of a second jab.
Government says it expects a consignment of 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines sometime this month.
This as the vaccination programme has slowed down drastically due to the shortages, with only 799 people from a daily average of 10,000 or so at its pick, getting their first shot on Friday while 6,549 received their second and final dose.
The total of those who have received either one or two vaccines now stands at 691,251, a minuscule figure for a country chasing a deficit of more than 9 million vaccinations from its target in less than six months.
Infections are currently on the rise in Zimbabwe with 192 people testing positive on Friday and three succumbing to the respiratory illness, bringing the death toll to 1,629. Cumulative cases are currently at 39,688 with 36,970 recoveries.
