(Last Updated on February 4, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – Vice President and Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga has said citizens will not be required to pay for the Covid-19 vaccine, clarifying government’s stance following contradictory statements made by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube on the issue.
Prof Ncube was quoted in State media saying ‘private’ citizens will have to pay for the Covid-19 jabs as the government has to recoup the money used for its procurement. Although he later made a u-turn on his earlier statements.
However, addressing a virtual conference on the World Cancer Day commemorations, Chiwenga said the Covid-19 vaccine will be free for all those who want to be vaccinated.
“My Fellow Zimbabweans, let me also reiterate that the government of Zimbabwe will roll out COVID-19 vaccines for free to all citizens who wish to be vaccinated. The policy is inspired by the humane morals that life should not be bought,” said Chiwenga.
Chiwenga also thanked China for the pledge they have made to donate the Chinese developed Covid-19 vaccine to Zimbabwe.
“We welcome and are very grateful to the people’s republic of China for their donation of the COVID-19 vaccine to Zimbabwe The landmark gesture will achieve a milestone combatting the pandemic,” he added.
The Health Minister also said his ministry was in the process of updating the Zimbabwe Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy.
