Zimbabwe In Subtle Rejection Of Johnson and Johnson Vaccines
7 June 2021
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Zimbabwe has turned down an offer for Johnson and Johnson vaccines allocated to the country through the Afreximbank.

Responding to a letter announcing the August allocation of Johnson and Johnson vaccines under the African Union Covid-19 vaccination programme, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, George Guvamatanga said the country is not ready to receive the allocation.

He cited the issue of Johnson and Johnson cold chain management as well as preparedness of the country to deal with adverse effects of the vaccines as the reasons for turning down the offer.

“The Government of Zimbabwe notes that there is an allocation of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines due for August 2021.

“However, I wish to advise that the Government of Zimbabwe is not yet ready to participate in the August allocation as measures are still being put in place to establish the cold chain management framework for the vaccines, as well as on management of the anticipated adverse effects of the vaccines following inoculation.

“Therefore, we will advise of our readiness to receive the vaccines once our internal processes have been conducted, hopefully in time for the next allocation.

“I wish to restate the government of Zimbabwe’s commitment to participate in the African Union Covid-19 vaccination programme which the bank is supporting,” reads Guvamatanga’s letter.