African is an observer, a subject in vaccine development, says Mutambara

Former deputy prime minister Professor Arthur Mutambara says it is a tragic indictment on all Africans that there is no African country or black-owned company producing a Covid-19 vaccine.

"The African is an observer, a subject and not a participant, in vaccine development."

He tells The NewsHawks: "An African country or black-owned company producing a vaccine, that's what we need. It would allay these conspiracy theories (about the harm of vaccines). It would also give us agency and control as Africans."

Mutambara says people can take personal charge of their own health while awaiting vaccination. This involves abiding by WHO guidelines, a balanced diet, exercise, managing co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, steaming, using zumbani and "the wonder drug" ivermectin.