Equitable COVID-19 vaccines should be a priority

As COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country continue to surge, it is clear that there is a growing frustration amongst Batswana at the slow pace of vaccine distribution.

Therefore, the government under the leadership of President Mokgweetsi Masisi has a huge task to make sure that there is equitable access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines to the population. As vaccines arrive and some expected in the coming weeks and months, equitable access is critical in the roll-out and success of the process. Signs are already there, everyone wants to be prioritised when it comes to the jab. Teachers’ unions, Botswana Teachers Union and Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union, have started a joint campaign aimed at putting pressure on the government to vaccinate teachers before schools reopen.

Botswana Nurses Union last month also advised that government should vaccinate nurses. Only 28% of nurses are fully vaccinated while some had not been inoculated at all. Now, as the doses paid for by the government delay in reaching the country, private companies are pressing the government to officially clear the air and allow them to directly procure vaccines from manufacturers. Improvements have not been made in the distribution of vaccines amid shortages and delayed shipments, and now members of groups that were considered as less vulnerable compared to others are succumbing to the virus. To protect the health of the nation, achieve head immunity, and protect the vulnerable, the government must urgently and explicitly centre equity and include other vulnerable groups.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up