Zimbabwe launches unique COVID-19 Video Documentary on COVID-19 response
Fighting the Wave - How a Nation United to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the auditorium of a Harare Hotel, people from various backgrounds waited patiently for the launch of the COVID-19 documentary Fighting the Wave - How a Nation United to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic.
It was almost celebratory as people took to side conversations to recall the successful collaborative work between the Government of Zimbabwe and its partners in fighting the pandemic.
Government officials, UN staff members and the public attended the event that was set to showcase a documentary that recorded voices that took the nation through memory lane since Zimbabwe reported its first COVID-19 case on March 21, 2020.
H.E President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa entered the auditorium as a guest speaker cementing the significance of the event and the importance of this milestone in which Zimbabwe became one of the few countries to showcase how the response to the pandemic has been a journey of leadership, learning, navigating challenging territories, creating possibilities, and forging partnerships.
His first words when he rose to speak were of commending the Government and partners in uniting in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, saying:
"The documentary underscores unity and harmony as critical pillars for unity and determination to overcome COVID-19.”
Zimbabwe reported its first COVID-19 case on March 21, 2020. By the end of October 2022, the country had experienced four major COVID-19 pandemic waves and recorded 258,169 cases and 5,610 deaths. UNICEF was a key partner in the COVID-19 in the country., UNICEF Zimbabwe also led the work with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Office of the President to document the COVID-19 response in the country in this highly-rated documentary.
Speakers at the launch of the COVID-19 Documentary included Dr Agnes Mahomva, the Zimbabwe Chief Coordinator of the National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, Acting as the UN Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe and, Hon. Gen. (Retd) Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care. H.E. President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa presented the Keynote Address.
Tajudeen said: “In the spirit of those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic for whom we pray they continue to rest in peace, it is very humbling for all of us to be here to attend the launch of a unique documentary ‘Fighting the Wave - How a Nation United to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic’, showcasing the remarkable response of Zimbabwe to COVID-19 and what we have learnt as a nation while we were fighting the pandemic. We know better and are better equipped to handle the next public health emergency when it emerges.”
He recognised all the donors, development partners, international and regional financial institutions, the private sector, and the many implementing partners that supported the national response.
Speaker after speaker commended the government’s Whole-of-Government approach adopted by the Country, ensuring a most robust and holistic response involving different ministries with their respective departments and many stakeholders, including donors, the private sector, and civil society organisations.
Watch below the full documentary.
