Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu has expressed concern about the low COVID-19 vaccination turnout in his region, which has been reported to have the lowest vaccination rate countrywide.

The Zambezi Region’s vaccinations started on 19 April 2021 and by Tuesday, it had reported 1 787 cumulative COVID-19 vaccine first doses and 479 second doses, making these the lowest doses administered in one region.

In an interview with Nampa recently, Sampofu said while there are ongoing vaccination campaigns in the region, people are instead opting to listen to misinformation on social media.

“Campaigns are ongoing. Our councillors are in the constituencies every day mobilising people to get vaccinated but as you know, you can take a horse to the water, but you cannot force it to drink,” the governor said.

He added that of recent, cases have been rising in the region and at least 22 people have succumbed to the virus thus far. All of the deceased were not vaccinated.

“I do not think culture or religion has anything to do with it, it is just too much social media and fake news. Several pastors as well as traditional leaders have been encouraging people to get vaccinated. The health personnel and our councillors are also on the ground mobilising our people, but it does not seem to be working well. I don’t know what we should do anymore… we cannot force people,” Sampofu said.

Zambezi has one fixed vaccination site at Katima Mulilo Hospital and three mobile teams.

Regional Health Director Agnes Mwilima said: “People are citing misleading information as to their reasons for not coming for vaccinations”, adding that the region is further experiencing staff shortages, which further slows down the vaccination process.

She said the region will continue with social mobilisation through the local radio and has since involved other stakeholders in the correct information dissemination.

“We are sending positive encouraging messages to counteract the negative social media messages and through the ministry, we are also trying to recruit retired nurses and other cadres in the pipeline, while training more health workers,” Mwilima said.

Source: Namibia press Agency