Friday, March 29, 2024

Zambia has capacity to store COVID-19 vaccines-Chanda

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Minister of Health, Jonas Chanda is saddened by some online and social media reports purporting that Zambia does not have the capacity to store the COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr Chanda says the country has functional cold chain systems and routine infrastructure utilized for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

He explained that the cold chain capacity is well outlined in the national vaccine deployment plan, adding that it also has a provision for strengthening the current infrastructure, once Cabinet approves for the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment.

He therefore urged the public to have confidence in government stating that such information should be disregarded.

“The Zambian government continues to make necessary strides towards preparedness for COVID-19 vaccines acquisition and deployment,” Dr Chanda said.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 580 new cases of COVID-19 out of 5,565 tests conducted, eight new deaths and 471 discharges, while the number of active cases stands at 2,738.

Dr Chanda noted that this brings the cumulative number of recorded cases to 83,913, with 1,148 deaths, while the cumulative number of recoveries is 80,027.

The Minister anticipated that with increased stocks of testing reagents expected in the country soon, the backlog will be completely cleared and that the reported positivity will be more reflective of the prevailing epidemiological picture.

He further said 84.7 percent out of 5,453 schools were found compliant with COVID-19 guidelines after his ministry conducted some assessments ahead of reopening of schools across the country.

Dr Chanda added that 10 percent were requested to delay re-opening in order to put in place the necessary requirements and the additional five percent were closed down and given notice orders.

The Minister assured that government remains committed to ensuring that learning institutions are kept safe for both the learners and teachers.

He explained that similar check-ups were conducted in trading places and social congregate settings, and impressive levels of compliance were reported with recommendations for improvements.

Dr Chanda has warned those issuing fake COVID-19 negative certificates that the law will catch up with them.

He directed the ministry and other Regulatory Agencies to move in quickly and act on the unscrupulous people.

Dr Chanda reminded the public to continue adhering to the five golden rules in the fight against COVID-19 ahead of the long weekend and beyond.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

8 COMMENTS

  1. DR CHANDA MAY RIGHT THAT ZAMBIA HAS THE CAPACITY TO STORE VACCINES AND THATS GOOD NEWS
    HOWEVER GOVERNMENT DOESNT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO RUN ZAMBIA

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  2. We all know this is hh spreading f00lish lies. Upnd diasporans commenting have not even had their vaccines there abroad and yet we know that ethnic minorities like them there are at high risk due to poverty and lack of vitamin d

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  3. ZAMBIAN HASNT EVEN THOUGHT OF ORDERING THEM
    PLEASE PLEASE WESTENERS FORGIVE OUR INSULTS AND SEND US MONEY FOR VACCINES
    OR PLEASE CHINA WE HAVE GIVEN YOU OUR SOLE HELP US !!!

  4. Dr. Chanda stop playing to the gallery.
    Please be specific which vaccines can the country store.
    Zambia cannot store Pfizer vaccine because you need -60 t0 -80.
    Which facilities or mini hospital can maintain that cold chain?

  5. This boy Jonas is all talk who is he fooliing? Anyway what do you expect from a Chanda brother…McPherson stole social cash at the Post Office and Sunday is moron who thinks he is political spin-doctor….really laughable…then this Jonas up to now no one has been arrested for the countless scandals at MOH its as if nothing happened.

  6. This boy Jonas is all talk who is he fooooliing? Anyway what do you expect from a Cha nda brother…McPherson stole social cash at the Post Office and Sunday is mo ron who thinks he is political spin-doctor….really laughable…then this Jonas up to now no one has been arrested for the countless scandals at MOH its as if nothing happened.

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  7. It will be a mistake giving Zambia vaccine free of charge. These crooks will sell it to the highest bidder and will be given to their friends.

    Let Zambia purchase these vaccines since lungu has trunk load of cash at his disposal

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