WHO Commends FG for Investing in COVID-19 Vaccines

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has commended the federal government for its huge investment in the procurement and installation of Ultra Cold Chain equipment at the national strategic store and the state cold stores for covid-19 vaccines.

Country Representative of WHO, Dr. Kazadi Mulombo, who spoke at the flag-off of thesecond phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria at the Federal Medical Centre, Jab, said it was encouraging that the country utilised 98.9% (3,980,600 doses) of first tranche of COVID-19 vaccines.

“Today, we are gathered to launch the phase two of COVID-19 vaccination, with an initial 4,000,080 doses of Moderna and 176,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines, which will be administered to people aged 18 years and above in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Molumbo commended NPHCDA for successfully vaccinating over 2.5 million and 1.4 million persons with first dose and second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine respectively in the Phase1 rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

“The introduction of these vaccines comes with a huge logistical preparation for the storage of Moderna vaccine. Partners are very happy with the federal government. This is good sign of a committed government leadership at national and state level to have it citizens vaccinated against the disease.

“Going by the lessons learnt from the Phase 1 of COVID-19 rollout, we have no doubt that the Government of Nigeria will be able to overcome all challenges for a successful Phase 2 rollout,” he said.

Mulombo explained that WHO and partners would continue to support the country in reaching its targeted population with safe and effective vaccines.