COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan in need of cash injection

The Private Sector has been urged to contribute towards the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Vaccine Deployment Plan. The Plan was developed to facilitate the vaccination of the Two million and Four Hundred thousand (2.4 million) individuals in Botswana. The Government reports that already One hundred and Forty-nine thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-eight (149, 268) individuals has received their jabs.

“Jointly developed by the Government and the Private Sector, and endorsed by the COVID-19 Task Force”, the deployment plan is said to cost an estimated amount of One Billion and Six Hundred thousand Pula (BWP1.6 Billion).

Of the BWP1.6 Billion the Government has already contributed Seven Hundred Million, and Nine Hundred thousand Pula (BWP700.9 Million). The said amount translates to Forty-four percent (44%) of the overall budget. The mentioned BWP700.9 Million has since been spent on vaccine payments as of 7 June 2021.

In addition to the 44% mentioned, The Botswana COVID-19 Vaccine Committee assumes that about Ten percent (10%) or Hundred and Fifty-two Million Pula (BWP152 Million) will be contributed by those with pre-existing health insurances. Another Ten percent (10%) or One Hundred and Sixty-seven Million Pula (BWP167 Million) would be contributed by willing private sector employers towards vaccinating employees with no pre-existing health insurances.

The remaining Thirty-six percent (36%) or Five Hundred and Ninety Million Pula (BWP590 Million) stands to be funded by the Government and Private Sector. The funds will be kept in a “private sector established tool which will ensure transparency and governance of the funds”.

“Timely collaboration with the private sector on vaccine acquisition and deployment will reduce the escalating number of fatalities witnessed among those over the age of 55. In addition to protecting lives, the wider economy will be able to function as fully as possible and stimulate private sector activity if enough people are vaccinated.” encouraged Professor Mosepele Mosepele, the Chairperson for Botswana COVID-19 Vaccine Committee.