The Zimbabwean government has appealed to citizens not to be despondent amid warnings by doctors that the shortage of coronavirus test kits and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) could result in a full-blown COVID-19 crisis.
Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo on Friday said Zimbabwe was not the only country experiencing shortage reagents and other consumables as this is a global phenomenon.
Moyo added that the government was working closely with its partners to ensure that the challenges are addressed. He said:
We do not live in isolation. Globally there is an increased demand for reagents (required for testing) and other consumables that are needed in the fight against Covid-19.
This has caused a scramble for materials among nations and inevitably we are also affected.
However, we are working around the clock with our partners to ensure that we still test as many people as possible and that we improve our quarantine facilities.
We are confident that we will be able to meet the challenges and that our health facilities and personnel are adequately equipped.
Zimbabwe was on Friday due to receive the second consignment of COVID-19 equipment from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
This comes at a time when the country has, as of 22 May, recorded 51 coronavirus infections including 18 recoveries and 4 deaths.
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