Xinhua

Zimbabwe on Thursday launched the COVID-19 information booths project aimed at increasing public awareness on the pandemic.

The project is a collaboration of the University of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe College of Pathology and private firm Bullion Healthcare Private Limited.

Zimbabwean deputy minister of health John Mangwiro launched the project in Harare’s sprawling suburb of Epworth.

He said government was working to promote communication of correct information on COVID-19 as one of its various strategies to combat the pandemic.

“My ministry therefore applauds the creation of this professionally designed health-information hub for combating COVID-19 in various spaces such as local communities, travel hubs, markets, learning institutions and workplaces in Zimbabwe,” Mangwiro said.

He said the booths will act as important sources of information on COVID-19 and other pertinent medical conditions.

“With daily visitations at this booth averaging 50 people among all age groups, the ministry is pleased to note the positive perceptions and attitudes by the Epworth community towards the correct wearing of masks, social distancing and staying at home,” the minister said.

He encouraged members of the Epworth community to share information obtained from the booth with families, friends, and the community at large.

The minister said while the nation fights the pandemic, attention must also be put on other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, asthma and cancer.

“We also find these booths as ideal portals for mentoring young people to walk away from drug abuse, a rampant and increasing problem in our country,” he said.

Zimbabwe has recorded 6,638 COVID-19 cases, including 5,250 recoveries and 206 deaths as of Wednesday.