Health
By Anthony Isibor.
BOSS Mustapha, Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee, PSC, on Covid-19 has said that the global Covid-19 cases recorded on a weekly basis have dropped to about 4 million, while Africa and Nigeria in particular, continue to record rising cases.
Speaking at the PSC national briefing held on Monday, September 13, 2021, Mustapha called for caution and encouraged all Nigerians not to give up hope.
The PSC chairman, who also called on all eligible persons to come out and be vaccinated, expressed confidence that the rising cases in Nigeria can still be curtailed and reduced minimally if we adhere strictly to the NPIs, adding that compliance with protocols laid down for quarantine to ensure control remains a source of worry to the PSC.
“The global cases recorded continues to decline to about 4 million cases weekly, although it is less, compared to last year, the situation calls for caution because we are not out of the woods yet. Africa and Nigeria in particular, continue to record rising cases and lots of fatalities.
“The most potent way of getting out of this situation is through vaccines, which science and research has presented to us. There are various choices now. We have AstraZeneca, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and we expect Pfizer to be delivered very soon. There will be enough vaccines to go round soon. By the second quarter of 2022, we would have received about 52 million doses of the vaccines.
“I recognise the fact that people are fatigued and tired but let me encourage all Nigerians not to give up. We all need to come together to defeat this dreaded disease so we can return to our normal life,” he said.
“Efforts are on-going to implement the policy on Vaccine Mandate for all Federal Public Servants. This is to ensure safety in the workplace and at home. The ED NPHCDA will elaborate on this as well as the status of vaccination administration in the country.
“To ease travels for fully vaccinated Nigerians, we are exploring the principles of reciprocity between Nigeria and other nations. For the time being, Nigerians are advised to always carry their vaccination card details or barcode on their electronic devices for easy access, especially for those traveling outside the country.
“The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Aviation will continue to dialogue with the representatives of the UAE to resolve the issue of the Emirates flights between Nigeria and the UAE. The protection of the interest of Nigerians remains our primary focus. The Hon. Minister of Aviation will elaborate on this.
“The need to review the protocol has become expedient to align with existing global protocols and realities. On this note, the PSC will adopt a sustainable model and policy that will be unveiled soon. To begin with, India has been removed from the list of flagged countries in view of improved situation in that country,” he added.
In addition, Mustapha urged the striking health workers to end the already prolonged strike, promising the government will continue to work toward improving the health system.
“On the heels of Mr. President’s intervention in the health sector, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our health workers to consider the health situation in our country and call off their strike while government continues to look into all matters that will improve the system, processes and welfare”
The PSC also used the opportunity to congratulate Chikwe Ihekweazu, the DG of NCDC on his recent appointment as Assistant Director-General, Health Emergency Intelligence of the WHO.
– Sept. 15, 2021 @ 13:50 GMT |
A.I
Tags: AstraZeneca Boss Mustapha Chikwe Ihekweazu NPHCDA WHO
