By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Acting UN Resident Coordinator Dr Tajudeen Oyewale commended Zimbabweans for extraordinary work done to tackle COVID- 19 in the country.
This was shown in the COVID-19 Documentary ‘Fighting the Wave – How a Nation United to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Speaking the launch of the documentary Thursday, Dr Oyewale gave credit to the stakeholders that made the COVID-19 response in Zimbabwe exceptional.
“It also highlights the key strategies that were deployed, which in my view can guide the country to deal with future health emergencies. Without doubt, the Documentary will also inspire countries in Africa and beyond.
“Allow me, your Excellency, and on behalf of the entire UN family – to recognize all the donors, development partners, international and regional financial institutions, the private sector and the many implementing partners that supported the national response.
“As it is a broad partnership, it is impossible for me to list the names of each of the partners, but I am aware many are in this room today. Thank you for your support,” he said.
“Your support is a clear demonstration of the power and importance of coordinated partnerships in support of the national response. I wish to also acknowledge the engagement of the different UN Agencies in the response.
“Our words of appreciation and thanks also go to the civil society organizations, community groups and young people for their invaluable contributions; and to the people of Zimbabwe for their perseverance to never give up while responding to the challenges raised by COVID-19.”
Dr Tajudeen Oyewale said: “As we celebrate this moment and use it as an inspiration to do even better in the future, let us remain vigilant and redouble our support towards the achievements of the set results defined in the National Development Strategy of the Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Following two years of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the experience from four epidemic waves, he said, we learnt a lot, but more important achieved quality results.
“As a Country, the leadership of the Government and partnerships at all levels have contributed to the high levels of COVID-19 vaccination coverages, resumption of social and economic activities and return of children to schools.
“This Documentary, presented here today, allows us to relay the experience the Nation went through during the COVID-19 pandemic and creates a repository of knowledge to inform future actions that may require a similar level of complex coordination, partnership, and scale.
“Learning is a strategy, and Zimbabwe clearly demonstrated this through the COVID-19 response. I am pleased to note that Zimbabwe has now become one of the first countries to have documented their experience in the form of a unique and detailed documentary on the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
From March 2020 to today, Zimbabwe’s response to COVID-19 has been a journey of leadership, learning, navigating new territories, creating possibilities, and forging partnerships.
The Country rolled-out a remarkable response to the COVID-19 pandemic coordinated by a National Task Force led by President, Emmerson Mnangagwa and guided by the National COVID-19 Response Strategy and successive COVID-19 Response Intersectoral Operational Plans in line with international practices.
The government approach, adopted by the country, ensured a most robust and holistic response involving different ministries with their respective departments, as well as many stakeholders, including donors, the private sector and civil society organizations.
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