Federal Government of Nigeria today recieved 3.924m doses of Astra-Zeneca COVID -19 vaccines from the COVAX Facilities
The COVAX Facility is the global pooled procurement mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines through which COVAX will ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all 190 participating economies, using an allocation framework formulated by Word Health Organization WHO.
The Vaccines arrives Nigeria through Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on Tueday Morning and were received by the Chairman presidential task force on COVID -19 and Secretary to Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha and his team
Boss Mustapha in his remark said the arrival of the Astra-Zeneca vaccines today, marks a significant milestone in the National Response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
“Although this consignment of vaccines is just 3.924m doses of the expected 16m doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX Facility, we are indeed grateful to the coalition that has made this possible for us to receive it” He said
Mustapha added that “For over one year, humanity has remained under the siege of a virus that has impacted on lives, livelihood, destroyed economies, governance systems, medical services, socio-economic systems, etc.
He maintained that the successful development of vaccines and the accelerated process for emergency authorisation has brought hope to humanity all over the world. Its arrival in Nigeria today has been made possible through purposeful leadership by His Excellency, the President, collaboration with domestic stakeholders, the international community and pain staking technical efforts to ensure that what we are offering Nigerians is safe and efficacious.
“Prior to the vaccines phase, we had introduced and promoted the non-pharmaceutical interventions. These remain very valid measures to take under the Infection Prevention and Control Policy. I therefore urge all Nigerians to continue to comply with these measures even as we roll out the vaccines administration plan which is expected to reach 70% 0f our population between 2021 and 2022. Under the circumstances, it must
continue to be NPIs + Vaccines
“The administration of the vaccines to the last mile will be prioritized in a strategically planned manner to meet out peculiar needs, cover our heroic health care workers who have sacrificed their all, including their lives, in the cause of caring for the rest of us. The PTF, working with the FMoH/NPHCDA, shall also ensure transparency, efficiency and economy under the process. It is therefore important to assure all Nigerians that their turns for receiving the jab will come.
He however urge all stakeholders (traditional rulers, religious leaders, Civil Societies, respectable Nigerians, the media, etc) to carry the message on the significance of being vaccinated to the grass roots and all segments of the society.
Others at the event includee DG of the NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Minister for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire and the DG of the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.
