Audio By Carbonatix
Zimbabwe has launched its Covid-19 vaccination campaign, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga taking the first jab in a bid to reassure the public that they are safe.
Zimbabwe is rolling out the Sinopharm vaccine, donated by the Chinese government. Only 200,000 doses have so far been delivered, with another 600,000 expected next month.
The vaccine is first to be given to public health workers, police officers, soldiers and prison officials.
Zimbabwe aims to vaccinate 10 million people and is still sourcing other vaccines to achieve this target.
On Tuesday, the government said the coronavirus variant first discovered in neighbouring South Africa now made up more than 60% of cases within its borders.
It is the first country outside of South Africa to report that the so-called "501.YV2" variant is the dominant strain.
The Sinopharm vaccine is 79% effective, and has shown some success against the variant discovered in South Africa, Zimbabwean officials say.
Latest Stories
-
Harry says he was made ‘paranoid’ by Daily Mail publisher’s ‘unlawful’ actions
2 hours -
Trade war in no-one’s interest, says British PM in face of Trump threats
2 hours -
Greenland ‘will stay Greenland’, former Trump adviser declares
2 hours -
I do not want to reconcile with my family, says Brooklyn Peltz Beckham
2 hours -
Djokovic registers 100th Australian Open win
2 hours -
China’s birth rate hits record low as population continues to shrink
2 hours -
US believes its power matters more than international law, UN chief tells BBC
3 hours -
2028 is not a normal election – Amewu explains why NPP needs Kennedy Agyapong
3 hours -
The whole nation wants Kennedy – Amewu makes strong case for Agyapong
3 hours -
Sogakope Circuit Court jails farmer 15 years for incest, defilement
4 hours -
31-year-old illegal miner sent to prison over theftÂ
4 hours -
Court remands GPHA staff over stolen tugboat
4 hours -
Attendance at trial is a constitutional duty, not an option
4 hours -
RTI response raises questions over Bryan Acheampong’s military service claims
5 hours -
Two women granted bail over assault of 12-year-old; another remanded
5 hours
