Special Assistant to the President on COVID-19 Prof. Roma Chilengi has warned health personnel against issuing of fake Covid19 vaccination certificates.
Prof. Chilengi charged that government will have no option but to fire anyone found wanting as the act puts the lives of the general public at risk.
He revealed that he has received reports of health workers issuing COVID-19 vaccination certificates to individuals who have not been vaccinated.
“That is very wrong and those involving themselves in such activities risk being fired,” said Prof Chilengi.
Prof Chilengi was speaking during the media breakfast in Solwezi.
He also mentioned government is aware of some sections of society that are working in frustrating efforts being made by various stakeholders in combating the pandemic.
He said people should not take the pandemic lightly as it can ravage the country especially with the coming of the fourth wave which is being driven by a new variant called Omicron.
“And it is very sad that we are not just fighting the pandemic but also individuals who have decided to be on the other side of the battle for reasons known to themselves only. Its very unfortunate, ” he said.
He mentioned that everyday such individuals are sending counter massages through social media to try and push back government’s efforts to vaccinate people.
He implored the media fraternity to be responsible with information being published as it may discourage certain individuals from getting vaccinated.
He disclosed that government has a responsibility to vaccinate over 2,000,000 people before the end of the year in order to reach above 30 percent of the eligible population for vaccination.
He said number will work as a benchmark to work towards in terms of reaching the Heard Immunity.
“And this famous Head Immunity is what can provide protection at communal level so that an infection is stamped out of the population,” he said.
And North Western Province Principle Nursing officer Maternal and Child Health Hellen Mahamba who spoke on behalf of the Provincial Director of Health Dr. Charles Msiska said despite social mobilisation, there is laxity in observing the five golden rules of the pandemic.
He said most people whilst in public places are not wearing face masks as well as lack of observing social distance protocals.
