GOVT SECURES FUNDS FOR MORE VACCINES

By SIMON MUNTEMBA GOVERNMENT has secured funds for the procurement of more Covid-19 vaccines as the pandemic continues to ravage the country. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Malama announced yesterday that Government has mobilised funds for the procurement of at least three million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine under the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT). “In addition, we have further submitted all the requirements under COVAX for the 108, 000 AstraZeneca doses and these are expected in the country next week,” Dr Malama said. Dr Malama also said a number of stakeholders are coming forward to support the ramping up of the oxygen production, delivery and maintenance and we are indebted to all. He said it was encouraging to see increased solidarity from various stakeholders following the directives by President Edgar Lungu for people to stem further transmission of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Dr Malama announced that Zambia recorded 2, 913 new confirmed Covid-19 cases out of 12, 703 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 125, 157. He said also announced that 29 more people died of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, adding that, “those we lost ranged in age from 28 to 96 years.” Dr Malama said the country has continued to see an increased death rate in Covid-19 treatment facilities and those losing their lives were from different sectors of the society. He also said 1, 999 discharges were made from both the Covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, which brought the cumulative number of recoveries to 103, 884. “Of the admissions, 205 were newly admitted patients within the last 24 hours. Among those currently under admission, 590 are on Oxygen therapy and 136 are in critical condition,” he said. He appreciated the dedication of the health workers as the country faces one of the most ferocious public health emergencies of its time. Dr Malama said Government remains determined not to lose focus on the routine services that keep other disease burdens at bay.