Irvin Muyombwa writes
@SunZambian
Government has said it is putting in mechanisms to regulate the Covid-19 vaccine expected to be received by the end of February, 2021.
Authorities said this is in an effort to ensure affordability and easier accessibility of the vaccines in both the private and public the health facilities.
Last year, Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya announced that Zambia had formally been admitted under the Covax facility to begin receiving initial vaccines.
Dr Chilufya however said government would indicate the sequencing in giving out the vaccines under the Covax facility following the country’s successful application and admission.
Ministry of Health Director for Infectious Diseases Prof Lloyd Mulenga said government anticipates private sector participation in the provision of the vaccines for those that can afford to pay but would not expect this to cost more than K500.
“We are likely going to have the private sector as well coming in which can cater for those that are able to pay, but I don’t think the vaccines are likely going to be more than K500 and there will be some regulations even in the private sector so that those who can afford access that,” Prof Mulenga said.
He said in the public health sector, there will be no charging for persons wishing to acquire the Covid-19 vaccine under the Covax facility donation covering 20 per cent of the population.
Prof Mulenga said government was also looking at other mechanisms to bring in extra vaccines to cover at least 60 to 70 per cent working with the World Bank or other donors or direct government procurement.
“Government is also likely to bring in other vaccines beyond this donation which we are getting under the Covax facility covering 20 per cent of the population. The assuring thing is that what is coming in the public sector is not going to be paid for,” Prof Mulenga said.
