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Nesia Mhaka Herald Correspondent
India has commended Zimbabwe for stepping up its preparedness for coronavirus (Covid-19).

Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Rungsung Masakui said the country’s preparedness was one of the best in Africa.

Zimbabwe has not reported any Covid-19 cases to date. The ambassador was speaking during Holi celebrations that were held at his residence in Harare on Sunday.

Holi, which is also called the “festival of love’’, is one of the most revered and celebrated festivals in India, and it is celebrated in almost every part of that country. During the festival, people are encourage to show each other affection and to put aside their differences.

“Zimbabwe has developed its capacity to test and detect the 2019 novel coronavirus and has established a centre for safe isolation and treatment of identified cases,” he said.

“Zimbabwe, historically, has a strong healthcare system with doctors and nurses trained around the world and locally at prestigious institutions.”

Mr Masakui urged countries to unite and fight against Covid-19 in keeping with the spirit of the Holi festival, which has a theme of love.

“Let’s unite to fight against coronavirus, and as a team will win the battle,” he said. “Fighting the spread of the epidemic is of a common concern to the global community, and India is willing to work with other countries to actively respond to the virus.”

Last week, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held a meeting for the health ministers in the region and they discussed the need to implement National Preparedness and Response Plans for                                                                                          Covid-19.

In partnership with China and the World Health Organisation, all equipment needed to fight Covid-19 is being distributed around the country to tourist cities, including Mutare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.