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
-
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
42 mins -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
53 mins -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
1 hour -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
1 hour -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
1 hour -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
3 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
3 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
3 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
5 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
6 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
6 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
6 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
6 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
6 hours