The private sector plays a complementary role in Government programmes and of late the sector has shown interest to chip in for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa in a briefing with the media announced that Cabinet had resolved to set guidelines for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, a development which would see the private sector playing a crucial role.
“Cabinet would also like to unveil the guidelines for the procurement and administration of COVID-19 vaccines by the Private Sector in Zimbabwe.
“All COVID-19 approved vaccines will be procured through the National Vaccine Procurement Fund managed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Organisations, individuals and any partners wishing to donate towards vaccine procurement will do so to the President through the Fund,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Some organisations have shown willingness and capability to procure the vaccines for their workforce and have been allowed to do so by availing funds to the National Vaccine Procurement Fund.
“Organisations interested in procuring COVID-19 vaccines for their workforce will deposit their funds into the National Vaccine Procurement Fund after approval by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The National Vaccine Procurement Fund will procure on behalf of the organizations guided by the national procurement guidelines,” noted the Information Minister.
Vaccines need to be kept at prescribed temperatures and this role will be played by the Ministry of Health as well as issuing vaccination certificates.
“To ensure safety and efficacy, vaccines shall be kept at the Central Vaccines Stores under the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National Cold Chain guidelines shall apply.
“Only trained and registered health professionals shall be authorised to administer vaccines, and only the Ministry of Health and Child Care shall be responsible for issuing all COVID-19 vaccination certificates,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
