Health
By Benprince Ezeh
THE federal government is prepared to vaccinate 70 percent of the Nigerian population with COVID-19 vaccine before the end of 2022.
Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, and chairman, Presidential Steering Committee, PSC, on COVID-19, stated this while making his opening remarks at the review of the national response to COVID-19 summit held from December 6 – 7 in Abuja.
Stating that Nigeria is now in the era of vaccines and non-pharmaceutical intervention measures, Mustapha added: “We need to encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated and keep observing washing of hands, wearing of face masks, keeping physical distance and avoiding crowded areas. Nigeria has invested in vaccines that can cover over 70 percent of our population before the end of 2022. These vaccines are safe and efficacious; it is better and safer to be vaccinated against this virus now.”
According to him, at the end of this, the committee is expected to have carried out the review of the country’s COVID-19 response from February 2020 to November 2021, to identify successes, gaps and lessons to be learned; and also to identify resources and develop strategies that will actualise the country’s expressed international commitments toward ending COVID-19 by December 31, 2022, among others.
The summit was also expected to articulate actionable recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari on the governance structure, resources, and policies needed to end COVID-19 in Nigeria by December 31, 2022.
He added that the recommendations would include how to rebuild the health system and the economy for a better response to future threats.
Stating that Nigeria’s COVID-19 response has been driven by science, data, and experience since then till date, the SGF said that “The national response has been driven by a multi-sectoral process which facilitated expansive and in-depth consideration of issues as well as speedy decision-making.”
“The process enjoyed the overwhelming support of partners from the private sector and the international community. Through these partners, Nigeria was able to put in place critical infrastructure nationwide, procure scarce medical equipment, test kits, and personal protective materials,” the SGF said.
Tags: Benprince Ezeh Boss Mustapha Covid-19
