Overview
The pandemic is here to stay. The emergence of the third
wave and complex variants requires that governments
integrate policies and practices that protect its citizens
from exposure and threat to life. The need for notable
shift and alignment of budget priorities to strengthen
healthcare delivery systems becomes inescapable,
particularly in Zimbabwe’s public care and support
centres. The Statutory Instrument 77 of 2020 which was
established to prevent, contain and treat COVID-19, the
Public Health Order, is largely restrictive and punitive.
The instrument pays more emphasis on what is not
allowed and punishment thereof and little on the
promotion of citizens’ well-being. Though the
vaccination programme rollout recorded the one
millionth jab, there is a need to address the livelihood
question and continued infringement of human rights.
The fifth edition of the COVID-19 Accountability Tracker
covers related developments in the months April and
May 2021 focusing on documented human rights
violations and prejudices ensuing from the COVID-19
management measures instituted by the Government of
Zimbabwe.
1