The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the circulation of fake COVID-19 vaccines in the country, warning Nigerians of dangerous consequences should they resort to taking such uncertified jab.
It added that following the recent certification given by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC for the use of AstraZeneca vaccines, Nigeria is set to receive four million doses of the vaccine as part of efforts to stem the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was as government said preliminary evidence before it shows that the second wave of the pandemic was gradually easing out, but warned Nigerians against complacency.
Speaking during Monday’s briefing of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on COVID-19, Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Boss Mustapha said the issue of vaccines continues to dominate discussions and major policy and financial decisions by various countries of the world.
“As you are aware, NAFDAC in the course of the week granted emergency use authorization for the use of AstraZeneca vaccines in Nigeria.
This decision was reached after due process by the regulatory body.
“Despite this milestone approval, which will obviously be a game changer, the PTF wishes to underscore the need to continue to take responsibility by observing all the non-pharmaceutical measures.
Vaccines remain critical in the battle but we must remain well informed because of the intense transmission which is putting enormous pressure on the hospitals, intensive care units, and health workers in our different communities.
Let me state that decisions made by leaders and citizens will determine the level of our success in tackling the acute phase.”
The PTF has been assured that Nigeria shall receive the initial four million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines very soon and Nigerians will be adequately informed on developments.
The multisectoral machinery will be deployed to enhance the logistics to the ‘last-mile administration’ processes that have been put in place.
This will involve community mobilization, training, transportation, storage, operations, etc.
The real work involves every sub-national entities, the Communities, the citizens, and the Civil Societies. We crave your cooperation and support to achieve this.
“In terms of numbers, statistics show that global cases and deaths have continued to decline. Most countries have registered significant declines in cases but amongst the top 5, the decline in Brazil is still minimal.
The African Region has shown high decline and South Africa continues to record a sustained daily decline in cases”, Mustapha stated.
Source: Vanguard
