21 Feb 2022

Government established the COVID-19 Vaccine Committee in January 2021 with the mandate to develop a national implementation strategy on COVID-19 vaccines acquisition and deployment

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe told Parliament on Friday that the committee advised government on mutual engagements with any individuals or companies that might wish to render support to the process.

Mr Lelatisitswe said the expected deliverable of the committee included plan for COVID-19 vaccine deployment, establish functional partnership between government and other partners.

He said the committee members comprised COVID-19 Coordinating Team Deputy Coordinator  and  Scientific Advisor, Director of Public Health Services, Deputy PS of Health Policy Research and Development, Deputy Secretary for Finance Administration at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.

Other committee members included Deputy PS for Multilateral Diplomacy and Policy Analysis at Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation, Deputy PS of Information and Broadcasting (Office of the President) and Deputy PS for Governance at Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

Furthermore, the assistant minister said several partners representing public sector, private sector, civil society organisations and deployment partners assisted in the vaccine rollout logistics, distribution and procurement.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in tremendous strain on the country’s main sources of revenue. Therefore Mr Lelatisitswe said the country’s ability to sustain high levels of expenditure on the pandemic was challenged.

As a result, Mr Lelatisitswe said government had sought for strategic partners within the economy to finance procurement as well as roll out of COVID-19 vaccines.

He paid tribute to all individuals and companies who heeded the call to support of government’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without a doubt, Mr Lelatisitswe said Batswana and different organisations responded positively and came forward to complement the government’s noble efforts.

On the contrary to what COVID-19 Vaccine Committee was established for, Mr Lelatisitswe said Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) was established to support the livestock industry by manufacturing relevant vaccines and providing services to combat livestock diseases.

MP for Serowe South, Mr Leepetswe Lesedi had asked the minister to update on the role of private sector in the vaccine deployment plan through its membership of the National Vaccine Committee.

He also wanted to establish the role of the National Vaccine Committee, its composition and when it was formed. He further wanted to understand the mandate of the National Vaccine Committee in relation to that of the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI). ENDS