Zimbabwe’s security strategies and intervention methods to the covid19 pandemic: a case study of Wedza district

Abstract

This study aims at investigating Zimbabwe’s security strategies and intervention methods to major pandemics such as Covid19 in Wedza district. The study employed a case study research design to explore the security strategies and intervention methods that were used in Wedza district. The research was informed by the interdependence theory to show how interaction was important during the peak of the virus. A mixed approach research methodology was also employed; this approach entails that both qualitative and quantitative research methodology were used to investigate the strategies and methods that were employed by Wedza district. The research also analyzed primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered through in depth structured interviews and questionnaires. Secondary data was gathered from Mount Saint Mary’s mission hospital. The researcher also employed purposive sampling technique. The content was analyzed together with raw data that was collected through questionnaires and interviews. The research findings are also indicative of the fact that Wedza district was largely able to contain the pandemic through the use of measures that were recommended by the World Health Organization. However, when it came to vaccination uptake, the research found out that the response was quite encouraging even though the District had not yet reached its target of the vaccinated populace. The study concluded that the strategies most of the strategies that that were employed in Wedza district to contain corona virus were highly effective. However, the study also found out that when it comes to the issue of voluntary compliance still a lot needs to be done. Preparedness in hospitals and clinics there is a lot that needs to be done. As a result, the researcher recommended that from district, provincial and national levels the government should put in place rapid response teams that would respond quickly to a pandemic of a similar pandemic strike again.