Zimbabweans have called upon the government to do due diligence on Chinese and Russian-made COVID-19 vaccines amid fears they could have unforeseen side effects.
The is made after both China and Russia have pledged to respectively donate 200 000 and 600 000 jabs of their vaccines to the Southern African country.
Commenting on President Mnangagwa’s Tweet which appreciated Chinese and Russian donations, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said:
Mr President thank you for informing us. However, we need to know how much does the government know about these Chinese and Russian vaccines. How safe are they and their efficacy. Again, how many have been donated we fear #DemLoot What is the actual plan for vaccination?
Thank you my President. Please let there be thorough checking of the vaccines. We should learn from what happened in south Africa.
Could you please ensure the efficacy of the vaccines is verified before people get the shots. I therefore request that you update the nation on what you and the government will do to ensure the safety of the general Zimbabweans. This is crucial Mr President.
Meanwhile, the government says vaccination will be voluntary.