The Nigerian Government has called for global equity in the allocation of vaccines.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire made the call in Abuja, at the National Joint Media briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
He noted that the call became necessary since COVID-19 is a threat to mankind and not to only one country.
“We have been keeping a strict eye on the vaccines scene and those who follow International news would have heard of the scramble for vaccines, which has pitched some countries against each other in Europe, as wealthy high-income countries have pre-paid to allocate vaccines to themselves. A spokesperson for the World Health Organization estimated that 95% of vaccines manufactured globally so far has gone to only 10 rich and powerful countries. Besides, the Director-General of the World Health Organization has repeatedly stated that no country is safe till all countries are safe,” he lamented
The Minister said that the date of the first arrival of vaccines in Nigeria has kept changing because the decision lies with the manufacturer, who already has heavy commitments.
“According to the latest information I have, we have been advised to expect the first COVID-19 vaccines from Covax, to arrive in Nigeria as from February. We shall continue to review plans to ensure smooth rollout in our country, a huge task in the hands of NPHCDA, who is better placed than any organization, with the requisite institutional memory from polio eradication and routine immunization, to deliver the vaccine to all areas of Nigeria,” the Minister explained.
Dr Ehanire also said that the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control NAFDAC, being the approving Agency for all vaccines that will be used in Nigeria must be sought before importation.
“Till date, only two companies have submitted the doziers of their vaccines to NAFDAC, where the evaluation is ongoing. Vaccines without NAFDAC certification are illegal and may be dangerous, in the light of fake vaccines said to be already in circulation in parts of Europe,” he added.
The Minister, however, stated that even with the vaccines, public health measures which include appropriate wearing of face masks especially in public places, physical distancing, respiratory hygiene and regular hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers will be retained and remain the best measures for controlling the spread of the pandemic.
PIAK
