Muslim scholars and Imams in Nigeria have been sensitized on the importance of COVID-19 vaccine.
The sensitisation programme was organised by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in Abuja.
Speaking at the programme, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said that the meeting was aimed at educating religious leaders about COVID-19 vaccines to be rolled out in Nigeria.
He said that considering successes achieved in the eradication of wild polio virus in Nigeria through the help of religious leaders, it was important to reach out to them again.
The CEO noted that the buy-in
and understanding of issues surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination by the religous leaders would be better communicated to their subjects.
He also said that a strong collaboration exist between the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and NPHCDA which has always produced positive results.
“It is important for government to talk to you Scholars and Imams because you are closer to the people and can communicate to them in the language they understand on how the vaccines works. I want to assure you that no vaccine will be brought into Nigeria except they satified safe by NAFDAC”. Dr Shuaib said.
Dr. Shuaib added that other stakeholders would also be carried along in the sensitization before the arrival of the vaccine.
Also addressing the participants, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described the programme as important.
He said that it is recognised that knowledge is power and when people are aware, they do the right things.
“For us as Muslims we know knowledge is very important. We have a lot of myths about COVID-19 and people need answers and this programme will provide the answers. One of the myths is that the COVID vaccine is meant to kill us. If government wanted to kill us, they don’t need COVID vaccines. There are other drugs being imported into the country,” the sultan said.
He urged all participants to be open minded, get the information and pass on to their followers.
In setting agenda for the meeting, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said that the gathering was a Train-The-Trainer interactive session that would address most of the fears associated with COVID-19.
He urged participants to close ranks and work together to harness collective strategies, skills and strength to curb COVID-19.
In her presentation, COVID-19 vaccines: The Relevant Issues, Prof. Maryam Aminu, says only about 0.9% of Nigerians have been tasted so far.
She also said that the key to reducing the number of COVID-19 deaths is vaccination.
She noted that the two available vaccines are safe.
Participants at the Sensitisation Programme on COVID-19 for Muslim Scholars and Imams were given the opportunity to ask questions and get expert responses.
