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The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) says the government in conjunction with other stakeholders in oxygen supply chain should step up efforts of ensuring that there is a steady supply of oxygen in health institutions managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
CLRI Executive Director Paul Mundia Hakoola says the availability of oxygen is a critical component in the treatment COVID-19 hence to ensure that the commodity is readily available so as to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
Mr Hakoola said his organization has noted that the shortage of oxygen in health facilities around the country during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the institute calls for consented efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that there is uninterrupted supply of oxygen in health facilities.
“The institute has noted that there is a shortage of oxygen in many health facilities across the country and there is need to ensure that oxygen is available in health centres so as to save as many lives as possible,” he said.
Mr Hakoola proposed measures to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of the commodity in hospitals.
“For health facilities or hospitals that have been built with the capacity to self-supply of oxygen such as UTH and Levy Hospitals the Institute has noted that these institutions are operating 50% of the capacity and this affects the availability of oxygen in these hospitals. The government should built institutional capacity for these institutions to run at 100%.
“More recently the government removed taxes on cooking oil and petroleum products; we recommend that government should remove taxes on all commodities that are needed in the production oxygen so as to make oxygen more accessible to citizens in both public and private health facilities.
“Public Hospitals and state institutions that have a capacity to produce oxygen should be adequately funded to ensure that there is efficiency in the distribution of oxygen in all health posts across the country,” he said.
He said the fight against COVID-19 requires consented efforts from all stakeholders.
Mr Hakoola further commended government for the measures that it has put in place so far in the efforts to fight the pandemic.
He called on institutions with the mandate to implement the said measures to ensure that they leave no stone unturned as they implement the measures.
He also advised members of the public to ensure that they fellow the simple rules whenever they are in public to help fight the disease.
Lawyers for Governance Expert Isaac Mwanza have demanded an explanation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia to explain why the elections in Monze Constituency have not be cancelled.
Mr. Mwanza has stated through his lawyers Dzekedzeke and Company, that an Independent Candidate in Monze Central, Maambo Musute withdrew his candidature and made the announcement in writing on June 14th 2021.
Mr. Isaac Mwanza has stated that in accordance with Article 52(6), the ECZ have not canceled such an election as they did to those in Lusaka Central, Mpulungu and Mandevu Constituencies.
He has given the ECZ upto Tuesday, June 29th,2021 to act or face legal action.
According to the Constitution, when a candidate resigns his or her position after closing of nomination and before elections, the Electoral Commission of Zambia must cancel the election and call for fresh nominations. The follow-up election is to be held within 30 days from the filing of fresh nominations.
UPND Vice President and Republican Presidential Runningmate candidate Mutale Nalumango says the UPND is more than ready to form government and called on the general membership to rise up and protect the vote.
Addressing women and youths at the elections training workshop held in Chilanga via Zoom, Ms Nalumango called on patriotic and dedicated members of the party to ensure that voters and votes are well protected on August 12th,2021.
She said the UPND has learned a lot of lessons about the tricks and gimmicks played on the voting day at polling stations and urged election agents to be vigilant and courageous enough to ensure that voters are not manipulated and intimidated at the polling stations.
‘Elections are not an academical issue but a political issue, we need to manage this election with an interest of people at heart because it is all about people’s lives,” said Ms. Nalumango
Ms Nalumango who is on a campaign trail in Central province said people in the region have struggled enough and have since chosen UPND President Hakainde Hichilema as a presidential candidate because they believe that he will make their life better.
And Deputy Elections Chairperson Brian Ndumba says no trick or gimmick by the Patriotic Front will stop people from voting for their favorite UPND Presidential Candidate Hakainde Hichilema.
“We are in the race and so far Zambians want change for a better life following the hunger and poverty they have endured during the term of office Patriotic Front has been in office,” said Mr Ndumba.
Mr Ndumba says he is hopeful that what happened in 2016 where they were Gen 20 forms and errors in vote counting will not repeat because Zambians will not tolerate that as this election is about their lives.
The Ministry of Health has expressed displeasure with owners of bars, nightclubs, casinos, and patrons who have continued to ignore the public health guideline that has been put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement made available to the media yesterday, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama says bars, taverns, nightclubs, casinos and patrons have continued to flout with impunity the directives issued to curb the spread Covid – 19.
Dr. Malama said the epidemiological picture is worrisome in that many have lost their loved ones, friends, and family in a short period of time.
“Today we wish to express our immense displeasure with owners of bars, taverns nightclubs, casinos, and patrons who have continued to flout with impunity the directives issued to stem further spread of COVID19, the epidemiological picture is indeed worrisome and we have lost so many of our friends and loved ones,’’ he said.
He added that in the last twenty-four hours the country has recorded 2,837 confirmed COVID-19 cases out of the 10,689 test conducted.
Dr. Malam disclosed that the country has continued to record high number of deaths not only in health facilities but also in communities of which a good number are COVID-19 related deaths.
“Sadly, we have continued to record a high number of deaths, not only in our health facilities but also in communities as adduced from the increase in the Brought in Dead (BIDs), it is likely that good number of community deaths are COVID19 related deaths, ’he said.
Meanwhile, Lusaka City Council has closed down 18 bars and night clubs that were found abrogating government’s directive to adhere to Covid 19 measures.
A spot check by Lusaka City Council led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Mr. Mathews Ngulube, and Lusaka Town Clerk Mr. Alex Mwansa revealed that there is low compliance to the Covid 19 pandemic measures that have been set by the Government.
Mr. Ngulube expressed disappointment that reputable bars and nightclubs have decided to go against the government’s directive to operate with strict adherence to Covid 19 measures.
“I am disappointed that big businesses can go against the government’s guidelines with impunity. This is not what we expected to find,” Mr. Ngulube said.
Mr. Ngulube says despite the business owners knowing the guidelines that have been set, they have bluntly decided to ignore the government’s directive in the pretext of not knowing the new operating times.
And Mr. Mwansa says the state of affairs regarding the operation of bars and nightclubs despite the Covid 19 pandemic is worrisome.
He says the local authority is not segregative in its operations saying everyone must comply with the Covid 19 measures.
Mr. Mwansa says the council will continue conducting random compliance checks, on a daily basis in a bid to engage business entities to comply with governments health guidelines set to combat Covid 19.
This is according to a statement issued by LCC Public Relations Manager Mwaka Nakweti.
And The local authority in Shangombo district has shut down three bars and a restaurant for failing to comply with Covid – 19 health regulations.
Shangombo Town Council Secretary, Kamwata Pongo who led a team of officials on a night inspection, disclosed that three bars and a restaurant were shut down for abrogating the law.
He said the 4 outlets were found wanting last night for operating beyond the stipulated time saying that people need to adhere to the guidelines laid forth.
Mr Pongo is optimistic that after the first inspection all bars, restaurants, night clubs and taverns shall comply saying those who fail to do so will be dealt with accordingly.
He emphasised that if the district is to prevent covid-19, people should make it their responsibility to adhere to the covid-19 guidelines put in place.
The Drug Enforcement Commission says the late former president Kenneth Kaunda laid a strong foundation in the fight against financial, economic and transnational crimes.
DEC Director General, Musonda Simwayi who eulogized the founding father of the nation in Lusaka yesterday after signing in the book of condolences at the Kaunda residence in New Kasama, stated that the commission has since postponed the holding of World Anti-Drug day in honour of KK.
“As the nation might know, today we were supposed to celebrate the World Anti-Drug Day, but we could not on account of the national mourning and also on account of the ravaging Coronavirus situation in this country. We have therefore pushed the celebration to a date that will be announced at an appropriate time,” said Mr. Simwayi.
He further stated that the Commission was working with parents in communities in the fight against drug abuse which was a world problem.
And Dr. Simwayi has disclosed that the DEC is in the process of forming a mini rehabilitation centre in Lusaka and is working on constructing a national rehabilitation centre in due course.
Luapula Province Local Government Officer Francis Katanga has urged Chembe district Covid-19 task force to report politicians to relevant authorities that are misleading people with Covid-19 information.
Addressing Chembe District Covid-19 Task Force in Chembe district yesterday, Mr. Katanga noted that politicians should advocate for adherence of Covid-19 health guidelines and not mislead the public.
Mr. Katanga has observed that there have been reports that some politicians are discouraging people not to adhere to Covid-19 health guidelines.
He says certain politicians are lying to people that Covid-19 is not real but a myth.
Mr. Katanga has stated that such politicians who are misleading the general public if found wanting should be held accountable.
“I am urging you to be alert of politicians discouraging people not to follow Covid-19 guidelines. Such kind of people giving force information should not be entertained but rather report them to relevant authorities,” he said.
Mr. Katanga has further advised the Chembe district Covid-19 task force to always sensitise people especially in border areas as the district shares a border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Meanwhile, Mansa District Health Director Marlon Chunda who is representing Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota in the Luapula Province Covid-19 task force says a multi-sectoral approach should be used to combat Covid-19.
He says fighting Covid-19 is not only for health personnel but to every individual and also the district task force.
“It is the fight for everyone. Ensure people in market and border areas are adhering to all Covid-19 health guidelines. This way we will defeat Covid,” he said.
Dr. Chunda has noted that the district has continued to record positive Covid-19 cases which calls for serious work from the task force.
He has stated that the district task force should work together with traditional leaders in sensitising the masses on Covid-19 and the importance of taking the Covid-19 vaccine.
PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) Parliamentary Candidate for Kitwe’s Kwacha Constituency Hon Joseph Malanji has said that the Zambian people still have confidence in the current government.
Speaking when he featured on Radio Ichengelo’s Special Interview over the weekend, Hon Malanji who is also PF Member of the Central Committee said this is because of the development delivered countrywide and the good policies implemented.
“When the population is growing, it automatically demands for infrastructure. We have delivered infrastructure to the Zambian people in all the Key sectors,” Hon Malanji said.
When commenting on the prices of commodities, Hon Malanji said the country is not generating enough because of COVID-19.
He said it is not business as usual worldwide because of COVID-19 restriction, a situation that has prevented a lot of Zambians from engaging in international trade.
MCC Malanji said it is for this reason that the government is looking at policies that will help harness the country’s economic resources.
“There is no country that can boast of being extremely stable in this Covid Era. Placing the resources in the hands of Zambians will help bring forex in the country. We are aligning ourselves how we going to come out of this crisis,” Hon Malanji said.
Meanwhile, Hon Malanji has underscored some of the successes in Kwacha constituency in the five years he had been area Member of Parliament.
He said any genuine resident of his constituency will testify that he has put his term as MP to good use.
“I have took my term as Member of Parliament in a phased approach. We renovated the old clinic and very soon we should be opening a maternity wing in Bulangililo. We are building Four (4) Schools and I have also done 1 x 3 blocks at Kwacha. All these I have done with funding from various sources including in my personal capacity,” he said.
MCC Malanji also said that the PF government wants to make sure that the informal sector is strengthened.
He said that is why various empowerment programmes such as those of traders in markets have been initiated in a bid to make them self-sustainable.
Popularly Known as Bonanza, Hon Malanji has also helped sponsor various students to both Local and International Universities.
“Being a Member of Parliament is about community work. It is about using your network to benefit the people in your constituency. A lot of young people have benefited in Kwacha because I genuinely work for the people. No wonder they still have confidence that I can still deliver,” he said.
When Zambian citizens finally got fed up of UNIP rule; some intellectuals, labour leaders, the clergy, business executives, former government leaders and military generals, farmers, lawyers and students’ unions decided to cast aside their ideological differences and take on the hitherto dreaded post-independence liberation movement.
Under the auspices of Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) they would whip the masses into a frenzy with their colorful oratory proficiencies as they catalogued a litany of deficiencies of the UNIP regime. And when time to vote came, it would be a landslide victory for MMD which would effectively send the party that had broken loose the chains of captivity into near oblivion!
Of course making promises is one thing, and yet fulfilling them is another. Aghast at the opulence and lavish style of living by a clique of few individuals while the majority of people were wallowing in absolute poverty, citizens resolved enough is enough! After 21 years in power, the masses would flush MMD the red card! Former President Rupiah Banda would bid farewell at a somber ceremony, tears welling up in his eyes, as his predecessor eagerly waited in the wings to take up the throne…….and the rest as they say is history.
In a clear case of history repeating itself however; Michael Sata would die in office after three years at helm, paving way for Edgar Lungu to take over from him after fending off stiff competition from Hakainde Hichilema of UPND, although the latter would insist he was robbed of victory to this day.
Fast forward to 2021, it’s that time again when citizens have to decide who should steer the ship for the next 5 years. There’s no need to pretend, the stakes are high for PF as the atmosphere favours main opposition UPND – shrinking democratic space, soaring rate of unemployment, high cost of living, and unfair dismissal or transfer of those perceived to be sympathizers of the opposition UPND.
What has happened for all these individuals to have a sudden change of heart? You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to read through their schemes. These are nothing but a bunch of desperate individuals clutching at the straws for survival! Whereas one of them suffered the misfortune of delivering a still-born political party, the other had numerous court cases pending against him threatening to send him to prison! Lest our memory fails us, we ought to be mindful that another one of these once had a thriving sausage business that unfortunately crumbled due to poor management, while the other one had numerous trucks marooned in South Africa because he couldn’t secure government contracts.
Should the nation allow these individuals to get away with this hocus pocus…….to hoodwink the public that they mean well when they’re actually in it for personal gain? Just as the nation had stood up and unanimously resolved to say ‘ZWA’ to UNIP; it would be imperative for the UPND Alliance to summon the help of retired eminent individuals to save the nation from total collapse before it’s too late!
Wherever the following statesmen may be enjoying their retirement, they’ve to be found and roped into the alliance pronto:
Former Vice President Guy Scot, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, Brigadier Gen Godfrey Miyanda, Bishop John Mambo, Simon Zukas, Gen Malimba Masheke, Newstead Zimba, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, Dr. Ludwig Sondashi, Rodger Chongwe, Vernon Johnson Mwaanga, Leslie Mbula, Linda Kasonde, John Sangwa, Rev. Stan Kristafor, Brebner Changala, Panji Kaunda, Jonas Shakafuswa, Dr. Machungwa, Chembe Nyalugwe, George Mpombo, Enock Kavindele, and Sishuwa Sishuwa! Imagine all these forces standing up and uniting for the good of our nation, not anyone including ECZ or the police can dare frustrate the efforts.
And once victory is secured, there would need to form a government of national unity which would immediately get to work and ‘sanitize’ our land of all evils – corruption and plunder of government resources, control of markets and bus stations by cadres, unfair distribution national resources and the unbearable cost of living.
The FAZ Disciplinary Committee has fined demoted National Division 1 side Kashikishi Warriors K30, 000 and ordered the club to play their eight home matches at a neutral venue.
This follows the assaulting of Mufulira referee Joseph Nyirenda at Kashikishi’s home Mwaimwena Grounds in Nchelenge during the abandoned Week 33 match against Trident last week.
Nyirenda was beaten and left unconscious by Kashikishi fans who disputed the equalising goal scored by Trident to make it 1-1 at Mwaimwena Grounds.
“The FAZ Disciplinary Committee has awarded three points to Trident FC in the Week 33 match they played with Kashikishi Warriors which ended 1-1,” FAZ said in a statement released on Sunday.
“Three points be awarded to Trident FC with 3-0 score-line. That the respondent club (Kashikishi Warriors) is banned from playing at their home ground for eight (8) games. They should first play their next eight home matches at a neutral venue,” read the verdict in part.
Kashikishi have also been ordered to pay K5, 000 to the injured match officials and refund their medical expenses.
Nkana are safe from demotion after decisions on the pitch and in the boardroom on Sunday went in their favour.
Nkana drew 0-0 away at relegated Napsa Stars in Lusaka but also had Kabwe Warriors to thank on the same day who beat Indeni 3-2 at home in Kabwe.
The result saw Nkana finish on 42 points and Indeni on 41 points after Sundays results.
However, Nkana got bonus at fulltime after winning an appeal against Young Green Eagles’ use of third-choice goalkeeper in a 3-2 away loss in Kafue on June 12.
Phiri, who was an unused substitute in that match against Nkana, was also ineligible because he was serving a red card suspension.
With that late Sunday afternoon news from the boardroom, Nkana have 45 points, Indeni stay on 41 points while Young Eagles are now demoted on 40 points.
But Young Eagles have been given 14 days in which to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, Red Arrows and Warriors have qualified for the 2021/2022 CAF Champions League after finishing tied on 51 points.
Arrows sealed a third place finish after a 0-0 Lusaka derby away draw at second placed Zanaco.
Former Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili has called on Zambians to pray for President Edgar Lungu for the loss of so many high profile figures in the nation.
Rev Sumaili said President Lungu is carrying a huge burden as a result of the deaths that have occurred in the recent past.
She was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today at the residence of the late Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela where the funeral gathering is being held.
Rev Sumaili said Christians should equally also pray for the entire nation at large as the country faces a difficult time.
And Sumaili paid tribute to late Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela describing his passing as a huge loss to the government and the Christian fraternity.
Rev Sumaili says she worked closely with Rev Sikwela who served the government with great integrity.
Rev Sumaili said Rev Sikwela strengthened the relationship between government and the church.
“To the body of Christ who worked closely with him, it is a huge loss. He served the government faithfully and he was available to the clergy. So it is a big loss,” Rev Sumaili said.
And a family friend, Moonga Siyamukonka described Dr Sikwela as a very helpful man.
“It is a great loss to us friends and family members. Our prayer is that God helps the family so that he consoles them,” Mr Siyamukonka said.
Rev Sikwela died on Friday after an illness at Maina Soko Medical centre where he was admitted.
Among those that have passed away recently include founding father of the nation Kenneth Kaunda, Chief Justice Irene Mambilima, former cabinet Ministers Michael Mabenga and Marina Nsingo among others.
The Coalition calling itself the Democracy and Motherland Defenders Coalition (DMDC) has castigated the opposition UPND for refusing to rescind its decision to resume campaigns amidst the national mourning and the peak of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
DMDC Spokesperson Mr. Andrew Ntewewe charged during a briefing in Lusaka today that so many citizens would not have contracted the virus and consequently succumbed to death had it not been for the UPND roadshows.
Mr Ntewewe, who is also the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) president wondered how many more people had to die before the opposition party could take the pandemic seriously.
He further wondered if the people who have died so far are not enough signal to tell UPND not to downplay the gravity of the deadly pandemic.
“The coalition also notes that despite various appeals from stakeholders, UPND has with impunity refused to rescind its decision to resume campaigns amidst the national mourning and the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. This is happening at the backdrop of escalating numbers of citizens succumbing to the deadly virus,” he said.
“How many more people have to die before UPND can take this pandemic seriously? Are the people who have died so far not enough signal to tell UPND not to downplay the gravity of this pandemic? Citizens will recall that when this pandemic first broke out the UPND denied its existence they claimed that it was a ploy and hoax by the government to get donor support.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ntewewe reiterated that UPND’S unapologetic position to resume campaigns in the face of national calamity has confirmed themselves to be covid-19 super spreaders.
“Had it not been for the UPND roadshows, so many of our citizens would not have contracted the virus and consequently succumbed to death. We are equally perturbed to note that the UPND roadshows were conducted in perceived PF strongholds,” he said.
“Is it, therefore, strange that the epicenter of this pandemic is Lusaka and the Copperbelt? Can we be faulted if we suggested that Lusaka and Copperbelt were maliciously targeted with the view to reduce the PF vote through this deadly pandemic?”
The much-trumpeted European Union COVID Digital Green Pass, which launches 1 July and is meant to vastly ease travel to Europe for vaccinated and recovered passengers is being rolled out with one important hitch.
Anyone vaccinated with an AstraZeneca vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India would not be qualified to get the pass – and that includes most citizens of low- and middle-income countries who were immunised with vaccines distributed by the WHO co-sponsored COVAX initiative.
That’s because the EU green pass will only recognise the Vaxzevria version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that was produced and manufactured in the United Kingdom or other sites around Europe, and thus approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
In contrast, most of the COVAX facility’s global procurement and distribution was built around the “Covishield” AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India.
Rude shock
Proportion of different vaccines distributed by the COVAX initiative – Africa CDC
As of 25 June, more than 89 million vaccines have been distributed by the COVAX initiative to some 133 mostly low- and middle-income countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is administering the massive programme.
That’s a drop in the ocean of the more than 2.6 billion doses of COVID vaccines administered so far globally, according to WHO. But, it constitutes the majority of vaccines received in many of the world’s poorest countries.
According to the COVID-19 vaccination dashboard of the Africa CDC, over 90% of vaccine doses administered so far, are Covishield.
Only four EU approved vaccines
Under the EU Digital COVID Certificate system, freedom will be restored to the region for individuals that have been fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved by EMA, in addition to individuals that have recently recovered from the virus, and those who tested negative.
While WHO has opposed issuing COVID passports at all, a key practical bone of contention emerging is the non-inclusion of Covishield and other WHO-approved vaccines on the list of EMA-approved products that can be considered for the EU digital green pass.
When Health Policy Watch searched for Covishield on EMA’s website, there was no record of the vaccine even though Vaxzevria, the version produced in Europe, is listed.
Traveller information issued by the authorities of the “Schenghen Zone” which includes EU countries plus several other non-EU European states like Norway and Switzerland, also clearly states: “As the Member States reopen the borders for travel from non-EU countries for non-essential purposes, they also intend to issue EU COVID travel certificates to travellers from third countries intending to enter their territory. The Commission also intends to accept certificates issued in third countries, which are issued under the same conditions as the ones by the EU….In order for the traveller to be able to get the vaccine, he/she should be vaccinated with one of the EU-approved vaccines.”
The advice adds, however, a caveat stating that individual: “Member States, can, however, issue the certificate even to those who have been vaccinated with other vaccines if they are willing to do so.”
In all, only four vaccines have been authorised by the EMA, and they are Comirnaty? (BioNTech, Pfizer), Moderna?, Vaxzevria ? (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) and Janssen? (Johnson & Johnson).
Covishield is not even listed among the vaccines that are under review by the agency which has listed CVnCoV? (CureVac), NVX-CoV2373? (Novavax), Sputnik V ?(Gam-COVID-Vac), COVID-19 Vaccine? (Vero Cell) and CoronaVac ?(Sinovac).
Even though the passport regime is expected to go into effect next week, more than ten countries in the region, including Germany, Greece and Spain are already issuing the green digital pass.
Second Class COVID Travellers
The double standard of EU recognition for identical AstraZeneca vaccines is beginning to send ripples across the African continent and African media – stimulating anger as well as stoking vaccine hesitancy, as reported by the French media channel, RFI.fr this week.
“When the [AstraZeneca] vaccine was received, representatives of the international community were present at Ivato airport in Antananarivo, including representatives of the European Union, to encourage people to be vaccinated,” said Emée Ratsimbazafy, vice-president of a Madagascar civil society association, told RFI.
“And then, all of a sudden, we learn that this vaccine is not recognised by the European health authorities. Why not? Many people are now wondering if this vaccine is really harmless and effective. Some people are now reluctant to be vaccinated,” he said, noting that the dual standard has raised fears that the COVAX vaccines are of inferior quality.
Madagascar’s Minister of Health, Professor Jean-Louis Rakotovao-Hanitrala, said he was “surprised and shocked” to learn that the vaccines being distributed wouldn’t be accepted in Europe.
“This vaccine was given to us by the WHO and welcomed by the European Union and all the UN agencies,” he was quoted as saying. That , he said “makes us wonder if there is not one vaccine for Africans and another for Europeans”.
On the other side of the continent, Nigerian health experts are also worried that the EU policy may stimulate more vaccine hesitancy – threatening the delicately built trust in the vaccine that is most widely available.
“Something is definitely fishy somewhere. We need these people to come clean and tell us what is happening. My parents received this vaccine. Should we be worried?” one Nigerian woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told Health Policy Watch.
African countries do not have luxury of choices like European countries have and as such they need to continue to build acceptance around Covishield, stressed Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian professor of virology and chairman of Nigeria’s Ministerial Expert Advisory committee on COVID-19.
“This is the vaccine that we have and we will continue to encourage our people to take while ensuring that we do not find ourselves again at the mercy of the rest of the world in future pandemics,” Tomori told Health Policy Watch.
WHO Officials – Protest in Africa, Silent In Geneva
WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti speaking about the EU COVID Green Pass at Thursday’s Regional press briefing,
WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti speaking about the EU COVID Green Pass at Thursday’s Regional press briefing,
At Thursday’s Africa Regional press briefing, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, protested the double standard, telling reporters that the European green pass programme should recognize all eight vaccines that have been approved by the WHO, which include the AstraZeneca vaccines produced in India, as well as two Chinese-made vaccines, rather than only those that are EU approved.
“Increasingly proof of vaccination permits the removal of travel restrictions, and even if it is important to secure the frontiers and prevent the propagation of the virus, African’s shouldn’t be subject to any more restrictions because they can’t access a particular vaccine,” she noted.
“Only four of the eight vaccines recognised by the WHO are recognised by the European Medicines Agency for the digital passport system put in place by the European Union. We hope that all countries will respect the principles of the International Health Regulations, and see to it that all vaccines are approved by the WHO and are accessible to everyone, before they can become a prerequisite for travel,” she sai.
Moeti said the WHO and EMA use the same standards in assessing vaccines. “The safety and efficacy of all WHO emergency use listed vaccines has been proven globally in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death.”
Added Richard Mihigo, African regional director for immunisation and vaccines development: “Actually, WHO is in the process of working with the European Union so that there can be a harmonisation and a recognition by all of the EU members, for all of the products that were approved by the WHO, in a general manner.”
“What people have to understand is that the EMA only approves products that are being used in the EU. For those [vaccines] not being used by the EU, they are not even submitted for approval to the EMA, and that is the case for AstraZeneca CoviShield, being produced by the Serum Institute of India, which was from the beginning intended to fulfil the needs for a segment of the market – the COVAX countries.
Mihigo stressed that there was “no ambiguity about the quality of this vaccine produced in India”.
“It’s strictly an administrative process, which has nothing to do with the quality of the AZ vaccine, which is being produced in several countries in Europe, the United States, India, and South Korea.”
At Geneva’s headquarters, however, WHO officials speaking at a Friday press conference made no reference to the EU conundrum – despite protesting, in principle, the fact that COVID passports are being used at all in travel – when access remains so limited in many countries.
“WHO should not be recommending a requirement for vaccination as a condition of travel,” declared Michael Ryan, executive director of health emergencies, “and that is particularly related to the scarcity of vaccines and the fact that there is such an inequity of distribution of those vaccines – plus uncertainties regarding the extent to which vaccination prevents infection, or transmission of the disease”.
“Any imposition of such a requirement for vaccination, around the world does, in effect, deliver a double inequality as individuals from countries who have no access to vaccines will then have no access to travel, and therefore it is very important that if we’re going to impose restrictions on the travel of individuals, we must at least attempt to do that from a level playing field of having access to vaccine,” Ryan added.
A Health Policy Watch request to WHO/HQ for comment regarding the exclusion of the Serum Institute version of the AZ vaccine from the EU green pass received no response, as of press time.
Zanaco striker Moses Phiri and Friday Samu of Green Buffaloes will go into the final day of the season as main contenders of the Super Division golden boot.
Phiri is the leading scorer on 17 goals followed by Samu on 15 goals and Prison Leopards player David Obashi comes in third place on 13 goals.
Last season’s winner, James Chamanga of Red Arrows is in distant sixth on 11 goals.
Phiri will look to finish as top scorer when Zanaco faces Red Arrows on Sunday as Samu’s Buffaloes will take on Prison.
Ndola based football writer Isaac Kasangula has tipped Phiri to win the golden boot.
“I think Moses Phiri will win the golden boot because he plays for a team which has quality and attack minded players. The biggest weapon Moses has is the individual brilliance and he is also ruthless in the box,” Kasangula said.
“I think for Friday Samu, Buffaloes play collectively as a team and he has also accounted for himself very well but his conversation rate is not very impressive,” he said.
Chamanga scored 16 times to win the gold boot last season.
Coach Linos Makwaza has guided Jumulo FC to the FAZ National Division One play-offs after winning the 2020/21 FAZ Copperbelt Division One championship.
Jumulo clinched the championship with three matches left in the season after accumulating 70 points from 31 matches played.
The Kitwe based side brushed aside stiff competition from legendary clubs among the Roan United, Kalulushi Modern Stars, Ndola United and Mufulira Blackpool to win the championship.
“Credit goes to the boys; they have performed very well starting from the start of the season up to now,” Makwaza said in an interview from Kitwe.
Jumulo had a ten point lead at the top of the table as at Week 31.
“To win the championship, especially the Copperbelt one it has not been easy. There are senior teams in that league Kalulushi, Roan United, Ndola United and Mufulira Blackpool,” the Chipolopolo and Power Dynamos legend said.
“I think even the owner of the team Julius Lombe, the club President, is a committed man. What helped us is planning ahead for games,” Makwaza said.
Makwaza said the last three league fixtures would help Jumulo prepare for the July play-offs.
“I think they (players) have done a commendable job. What is important now is to psyche them up for the play-offs,” he said.
