• PEPFAR dedicates USD20 Million for the COVID-19 response.
• 10,000 Genexpert cartridges and over 4,000 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs) kits are expected in the country.
• The next doses of vaccines to reach the country in May 2021.
Ministry of health says Government has secured US$47.28 Million from the Global Fund for COVID-19 response.
In a statement issued to Money FM News, Dr. Jonas Chanda added that, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has dedicated US$20 Million for the COVID-19 response.
Dr. Chanda revealed that 10,000 Genexpert cartridges and over 4,000 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs) kits are expected in the country.
He however anticipated the next doses of vaccines to reach the country in May 2021.
“Currently, the targeted population under the vaccines available include Healthcare workers and other frontline workers performing core societal functions such as teachers, journalists, security, immigration and the defence,” Dr. Chanda noted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda revealed that Friday 16th April 2021, 496 people in Lusaka were vaccinated bringing the cumulative total to 706 of whom 263 are male and 231 female.
He said twenty-six percent (26%) of the persons vaccinated so far are healthcare workers.
“I am pleased to note the interest by members of the public to get vaccinated, I wish to assure you that the acquisition and deployment of more vaccines is in the process to ensure all who are eligible get vaccinated,” he said.
The Minister says in the last 24 hours among 29 Districts countrywide, Ninety-four (94) ‘new’ cases out of 6,330 tests conducted representing a positivity of 1.5% have been recoded.
“The breakdown of the new cases by province is as follows: Central 1, Copperbelt 0, Eastern 30, Luapula 18, Lusaka 28, Muchinga 0, Northern 4, North-Western 4, Southern 6, and Western 3.” He updated.