Hosia Mviringi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thanked health workers who were involved in the vaccination process in Victoria Falls, as the city has achieved herd immunity.
Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely.
Announcing the feat through his official Twitter page, President Mnangagwa expressed pride over the manner in which people in Victoria Falls responded to the national vaccination programme.
“Victoria Falls has now achieved herd immunity!
Last month, I received my first COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria Falls. I am immensely proud that over 77% of the city’s inhabitants have received their second jab.
Thank you to all the health officials who have made this possible,” said President Mnangagwa.
The resort city has made history by becoming the first city in Southern Africa to achieve herd immunity.
This follows an overwhelming response by Victoria Falls residents to a special dispensation by Government, where all adults over the age of 18 were eligible for the vaccination.
As it stands, is one of the safest tourist resorts to visit in the world.
The second phase of the stage one vaccination program in Zimbabwe was launched in Victoria Falls by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 24 2021, with a target to inoculate at least 25000 residents and achieve herd immunity of at least 60 percent.
After exactly a month, on April 21 2021 a total of 19243 residents had received their first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine.
“One year on (since the first Covid-19 case was reported in Victoria falls) as we embark on the mass vaccination program it is my hope that the sleeping giant can be awakened again and life and livelihoods be restored.
I must commend the people of Victoria Falls for their response to the vaccination program.
We would like to thank the Victoria Falls community for taking responsibility to not only protect themselves but also our wider community and for doing their part in the process of bringing back the tourism on which so many livelihoods depend,” said Dr Fungai Mvula, the Acting District Medical Officer for Matabeland North.
The news becomes a boost to the country`s effort to reorganize the economy after Covid-19 disruptions.
Victoria Falls is fast growing to become the gateway to Zimbabwe and Southern Africa since the expansion of the Airport to accommodate wider body aircraft.
Many airlines now prefer flying directly into Victoria Falls for convenience and ease of connectivity.
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