Private sector done its bit to fight Covid-19, but they could do more – WHO expert

World Health Organisation (WHO) Immunization officer and healthcare expert, Dr Messeret Shibeshi, has lauded the private sector’s contribution to the overall fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, but stresses more could be done. Shibeshi was on the OFM Business Hour to delve into the socio-economic ills that have been born/exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. She shares that not only did Covid-19 destroy livelihoods and businesses across the globe, but we also saw socio-economic ills on the African continent deepen. This was evidenced in the inequality in vaccine distribution especially in third world countries an issue that has been highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who formed part of the call for first world countries whereupon these vaccines are made to not hog the jabs. Shibeshi says whilst the private sector did its bit by helping governments purchase vaccines, protective gear and beef up healthcare infrastructure where needed, it’s still not enough and more could be done.