Zimbabwe: Coronavirus

(asked on 21st June 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the covid-19 situation in Zimbabwe.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 29th June 2021

We are concerned by the sharp increase in new cases of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe. Whilst the Government has been proactive around lockdowns and encouraging public health measures, the health system is still incredibly vulnerable. It is vital that the Government does not use the Covid-19 lockdown to crackdown on the opposition and undermine the rights enshrined in Zimbabwe's constitution.

Zimbabwe's vaccine rollout is now underway, and currently has the third highest number of people vaccinated with two doses in Africa. To date, 4.7% of the population has received their first dose and 2.9% has been fully vaccinated. Zimbabwe has been confirmed as a participant for the COVAX facility, but when and how Zimbabwe will take up these vaccines is still under discussion.

In early 2020, the UK reprogrammed £21.24 million through existing programmes to provide critical support to primary health care ensuring vital services continue such as immunisations, pre and post-natal care and treatment for malnutrition. This support also provides community messaging, support for frontline workers, water sanitation and hygiene improvement in schools and health facilities, and humanitarian food and cash aid to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable.

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