Is Burundi ready for COVID-19 vaccines?

Burundi and neighboring Tanzania have made headlines recently by stating that they do not currently need COVID-19 vaccines, citing high recovery rates and questioning the effectiveness of the vaccines in the market. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Public Affairs Analyst, Serges Claver Nzisabira, shed light on Burundi's approach to the pandemic. As of now, Burundi has confirmed 1,824 cases of COVID-19, with 773 recoveries and three unfortunate deaths. The Minister of Health in Burundi has been clear in stating that the country is not refusing COVID-19 vaccines altogether but is cautious about accepting vaccines that have not been thoroughly tested for efficacy and potential side effects. The country is prioritizing prevention measures and encourages the use of masks in public spaces like public transport and gatherings. Hand washing kits and soap are also provided in crowded places to curb the spread of the virus. While some measures have been effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Burundi, there are challenges with ensuring compliance, particularly with mask-wearing. Despite the skepticism towards vaccines, Burundi's experience with the pandemic so far has been relatively mild compared to other nations, raising questions about the factors that may be contributing to this trend. Nzisabira acknowledges that the situation is complex and the reasons behind the lower impact of COVID-19 in African countries, including climate and potential immunity built from previous diseases, remain unclear. The debate around COVID-19 vaccines and the measures taken by Burundi continue to shape the country's response to the pandemic, reflecting a global conversation about the best strategies for combating the virus.