The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DETRACTORS of the Covid-19 vaccination drive have been defeated in their pursuit as evidenced by the increasing public demand for inoculation, First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
The vaccination drive initially started on a slow note owing to conspiracy theories that were being peddled mainly on social media.
However, in recent months, there has been increasing demand for vaccination as the public has embraced the vaccine.
In her keynote address during the handover of blankets and groceries to the elderly at Munyarari Primary School in Mutare’s 22 Miles Village last Friday, the First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa said those who were discrediting vaccination had failed in their ploy.
“We have heard people telling us that if we get vaccinated we will die. They were spreading falsehoods to turn the public against vaccination.
“However, we have seen it for ourselves; vaccination is good for our well-being. People who are not vaccinated are being affected more by the pandemic.
“We are happy that those who were spreading the falsehoods about vaccination have not succeeded in their ploy. It is against this background that I really want to urge you (the elderly) to get vaccinated and ensure that we protect ourselves from this pandemic,” she said.
Turning to issues relating to morality, the First Lady bemoaned teenage delinquency and urged parents to keep reminding the young of dangers related to drug abuse and early sexual debut.
Amai Mnangagwa said parents must always find the time to sit down with their children and impart advice on healthy lifestyles.
“The wayward behaviour of our children is bringing unwanted pregnancies and poor health seeking behaviour. It is incumbent upon parents and grandparents to reiterate the message.
“Keep telling them about the dangers of drug abuse and early sexual relations. We cannot just fold our hands and watch, we have to keep talking about behaviour change.
“Our children are abusing drugs, drinking beer and being impregnated at an early age. They now use the lockdown as an excuse. We must, however, remain resolute in imparting the right moral values to our children,” she said.
The donation handover ceremony was also attended by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere as well as Mutare South legislator, Honourable Jefrey Ngome.
