CDEDI asks government to explain on mandatory Covid-19 testing and vaccination
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has alleged that there is “a silent government policy of ‘NO VACCINE NO WORK POLICY’ in the country”.
In a press release issued on Monday, August 30, 2021 and signed CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa, the rights body says both public and private institutions are currently outclassing each other, by imposing mandatory Covid-19 testing and vaccination.
This, says the press release, is contrary the Minister of Heath Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda informed the nation, when announcing plans to roll out the vaccination campaign, that the exercise was voluntary.
“What is more disturbing is your silence on these developments, despite being reported in the media, and more so, being contrary to the Malawi government policy. It is against this background that CDEDI is challenging you to come out very clearly, on whether or not the Tonse Alliance government has changed tune on its earlier position on voluntary testing and vaccination,” reads the press release.
According to Namiwa, Malawians would like to know as to where these institutions are getting the mandate to impose the Covid-19 mandatory testing and vaccination from, and why the ministry has chosen to keep quiet on the same.
“CDEDI would like to believe that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is running a transparent and accountable government with the welfare of Malawians at heart. It is, therefore, prudent that your ministry should be very open, clear and consistent on any policy changes, as long as it is done in good faith and in the best interest of the people of Malawi.
“It is against this background that CDEDI is giving you seven (7) days to explain to Malawians the status in policy direction on Covid-19 testing and vaccination,” it reads.
On a positive note, the organization has acknowledged “the highest level of dedication that the minister has demonstrated by providing strategic leadership in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic”.
“One thing that quickly comes to mind are the daily updates and periodic media briefings. This is highly commendable, as citizens have access to reliable information, in near to real time, and right at their fingertips,” says Namiwa.
Atiuze kuti a MEC azitenga kuti? Chinanso chotseketsa chakuti ku Russia ama[anga katemera wawo Spultinix IV koma Putin is against mandatory vaccination> Ndiye wina kuno katemera osakwana 500, 000 yemweyi wayamba kale kuchita force ma employees. Boma lilowererepo apa
Akumangasotu iweee
Namiwa, don’t waste people’s space and time with your ranting. You’re misplaced to think that you can be giving time frames and ultimatums to the leadership each time you raise an issue. Your organization doesn’t have any decorum in order to have a positive impact on the citizens. You are being used by frustrated politicians of a party that lost its borrowed glory. Stop wasting your time with your irrelevant press conferences- you can not drive the current leadership to the lanes that suit you for you are a small boy of no influence.
Some people seem to be fools, not all is politicised but this issue is sensitive. Namiwa is simply talking about human rights, You cannot force a donkey to drink water if it doesn’t want to. Comments must be constructive to help other readers understand what the writer is talking about whether his/her facts or his/her opinion are true or false. Don’t forget that African culture has it’s own beliefs concerning vaccines. if we talk of churches, have there own beliefs about vaccines, so the government not politics have no right to force people to do so with peoples own rights… Read more »
Lets face facts. We know this organisation might be pro DPP but on this one they have an issue that is really bothering a significant society of Malawi. why should one be excluded from a work place just because of vaccines? it has to be an individual choice to vaccinate or not.
Exactly, big up CDEDI, even if you could have given them 3days it’s enough to come up from their sleeping beds….