Nigeria administers over 1.2m COVID-19 vaccine

Over 1.2 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered on Nigerians.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said the government is impressed by the response of Nigerians to the vaccination.

The Federal Government may extend the ongoing vaccination against Coronavirus by two weeks, the first phase of the vaccination is expected to end today.

 “I think, a two weeks extension is likely to create more access for vaccination.

 “So far, 1.2m out of the 2million vaccines have been administered on Nigerians.

“We will continue to provide the right environment for easier vaccination.

“It is normally about eight to 12 weeks after the first dose,” Shuaib said.

According to Shuaib, the NPHCDA partnering with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the deployment of the vaccines.

The partnership will check any form of corruption during the vaccination process.

The ICPC team would focus on four areas, uncovering theft and embezzlement, service provision, vaccine availability and advisory.

Shuaib said, “In line with its determination to ensure accountability and transparency in the deployment and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

 “The collaboration will ensure all appropriate anti-corruption, accountability, and transparency measures are established and sustained throughout the four phases of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.”

The ICPC will track and monitor the deployment and use of COVID-19 vaccines across the country with a focus on four critical areas, theft and embezzlement, service provision, vaccine availability and advisory.

The NPHCDA, assures the public that those with intentions of perpetrating any unlawful acts in this regard, such as extortion, diversion of vaccines and funds meant for the vaccination exercise, will be apprehended and would face the full wrath of the law.

Kamila/The nation