…says over 3m Nigerians already vaccinated
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Federal Government has made COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for all intending pilgrims to the Holy Lands.
Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib made this known Tuesday at the Media briefing on COVID-19 vaccination update in the country.
Shuaib said, “I would like to remind all Nigerians that evidence of vaccination against COVID-19 is now mandatory for all pilgrims to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem.”
“I therefore urge adherents of both religions who are planning to perform pilgrimage next year or in the future, to get vaccinated now to avoid any delays.” This is also to bring to our attention, that as the COVID-19 vaccines become available worldwide, some countries have made vaccination a requirement to gain access to their country, he warned.
In a like manner the ES announced that ” As at 30th August 2021, Nigeria has so far vaccinated 2,897,201 and 1,430,379 eligible persons with 1st and 2nd doses respectively across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Shuaib disclosed that the 2nd phase has commenced across the country adding that the Moderna Vaccine is available in all designated health facilities for those who have not had any vaccination.
Speaking on the vaccines hesistancy surrounding the COVID-19 in Nigeria, he urged people to convince their loved ones, friends and colleagues on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
Furthermore the UK government through the COVAX Facility donated to Nigeria an additional 592,880 doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, on Thursday the 26th of August boosting the number of vaccine doses.
Meanwhile the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo has commended NPHCDA on the Electronic Management of Immunization Data , EMID, to ease registration and profiling of clients, prior to vaccination and/or during vaccination.
Mulombo noted that the strategy would aid the availability of real-time data for action and showcasing to the global community how COVID-19 response is improving technology for Primary Health Care (PHC) service delivery in Nigeria.
He said that this is in line with WHO global call for a moratorium on boosters until at least the end of September, to enable at least 10% of the population of every country to be vaccinated.
The reason for this call is, vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months, he emphazied.
