Arrival of COVID-19 vaccines a significant milestone – SGF
By Doosuur Iwambe
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has said that the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine marks a significant milestone in the response to the pandemic.
Receiving the 3.94 million doses of the vaccine at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tuesday, Mustapha disclosed that the administration of the vaccines will be prioritised in a strategically planned manner to cover all Nigerians.
Emphasising that the vaccine was made possible by the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, domestic stakeholders and the international community, he disclosed that the it is expected to reach 70% of the population between 2021 and 2022.
His words: “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. “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.
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“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 added: “Ahead of the full rollout in the coming days, we 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.
This is a fight for everyone “On behalf of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the good people of our dear country Nigeria, I hereby receive the first batch of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and hand it over to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, to ensure all frontline health workers are vaccinated against COVID-19.”
