01 Aug 2021

 Vaccination roll out in Ngami area is progressing well with 9 195 people having received their first jab and 5 886 fully vaccinated. 

This was revealed during President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s visit to Letsholathebe Memorial vaccination centre last Thursday as part of his routine tour of vaccination centres in the country. 

So far, Dr Masisi has visited vaccination centres in Gaborone, Mochudi, Moshupa, Molepolole, Ramotswa and Kanye. 

Speaking during the tour, President Masisi said he was impressed by the high turn out for the vaccine in Ngamiland, which he attributed to continued commitment and dedication by health workers. 

He commended health workers for providing quality services to Batswana even in the face of COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged them to soldier-on and stay focused.

 “Government recognises your efforts and understands that what you are doing is not just a job but a mission to save lives,” he said. With regards to the vaccine, President Masisi cautioned the public not to be misled by negative reports about the vaccines. 

He said some people did not want to accept scientific evidence about the efficacy of the vaccines, and advised all to take the vaccine when their turn came. 

He urged all to observe prevention protocols such as sanitising, wearing of masks, washing of hands with soap regularly and reducing unnecessary movements. 

“Failure to adhere to the health protocols will mean people will continue to lose lives,” he said.

Earlier on, Ngami District Health Management Team acting coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe said since the beginning of Phase Two of the vaccination plan, that is of those aged 45 to 54, centres in her area of jurisdiction had experienced a rise in numbers of those coming for the vaccine. 

She said this showed this age cohort was different and willing to take the vaccine. 

She said it was unfortunate that the vaccines were not enough to cater for all but commended the community for taking vaccination seriously. 

Dr Maripe- Ebutswe also informed the President that they enjoyed support from community groups such as Project Sanitize Maun, which she said had assisted DHMT with resources.

She commended the group for assisting DHMT with an isolation centre of 75 beds as well as transport. 

Moreover, the group had also established a new testing centre at a place commonly known as ‘the Power’ to reduce congestion at Matshwane testing centre. 

Meanwhile, Dr Maripe- Ebutswe stated that Ngami did not record more cases during the President’s Day Holidays. 

She said that cumulatively, they had registered 4 830 cases of COVID-19 of which 1 226 were active while the death rate increased to 109. 

She also said that 1 154 patients were on home isolation while 312 were on home quarantine. 

She appealed to the community to continue adhering to COVID -19 protocols. Ends