PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has awarded a US$50 000 token of appreciation to world-renowned Matobo District-born medical scientist and virologist, Dr Sikhulile Moyo, in recognition of his contribution in saving humanity after he discovered the Omicron Covid-19 variant.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, handed over the Presidential gift to Dr Moyo yesterday at his rural home in Donkwe-Donkwe near Kezi, Matabeleland South.
The multi-award-winning doctor made headlines when he discovered the Omicron variant last year in November during his routine work in Botswana.
Since then, he has put Zimbabwe, Botswana and Africa on the global map, earning himself several international awards for humanitarian work.
Dr Moyo has won the Festus Mogae Award of HIV Research, the Martin Luther King Jr Humanitarian Award, the German Africa Award 2022, Time 100 most influential people in the world 2022, New African Award top 100 most influential Africans 2022.
His discovery informed the types of vaccines that need to be manufactured to counter the pandemic.
Yesterday, Dr Moyo’s family, friends and Government officials converged at his rural home to celebrate his global success.
Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa and the State appreciate in a big way Dr Moyo’s contribution to saving humanity.
“It means the big thing is coming. However, in the meantime, His Excellency, the President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa presents this token. This is just a token of appreciation to Dr Moyo on behalf of Government and people of Zimbabwe, of US$50 000,” said Prof Murwira, much to the ululation of guests.
He said it was not a mean achievement to detect Omicron, which threatened to decimate humanity.
Prof Murwira said Dr Moyo’s discovery, as a Zimbabwean son of the soil who made significant contributions to global health systems to save the world, greatly excited President Mnangagwa.
He said it was not surprising that global institutions have queued to honour Dr Moyo.
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