Kimberly Kusauka
The inclusion of lactating mothers, pregnant women and children aged 14-17 still remain in the hands of Medicines Control Authority in Zimbabwe (MCAZ), a month after government announced plans to include these groups.
MCAZ is reportedly carrying out clinical trials to determine whether these groups are safe for vaccination or not.
Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Public Relations Officer Donald Mujiri said the ministry is still waiting for MCAZ to give them a directive to start administering the jab.
“As a Ministry we get authority from MCAZ to use any drug or dose. Right now, we are waiting for them to finish clinical trials so that we can start vaccinating lactating mothers, pregnant women as well as children from the age of 14-17,” said Mujiri.
He however, said there are no exact dates for commencement of these groups’ vaccination since they are awaiting authority from MCAZ.
“We do not have a date as to when these groups will start receiving their jabs since the trials are scientific and they take time to be completed. However, MCAZ is doing the work right now, so we hope they will be done soon and we commence the vaccination program,” Mujiri added.
Barely two weeks after schools were ordered to reopen; a surge in Covid-19 positive cases have been recorded at schools in Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland provinces.
The cases were recorded mostly at boarding schools and the virus is spreading to teachers and other staff.
Last week the Secretary for Public Service Commission (PSC), Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said government Ministries would help personnel who missed opportunities to be vaccinated so that they can report for work.
