COVID-19: We’re Ready To Vaccinate 70% Of Nigerians Before 2022 Ends — FG
The Nigerian government has stated that 70% of Nigerians will be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2022.
Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, stated this in Abuja on Monday.
According to Daily Trust, Mustapha spoke at the National COVID-19 Summit with the theme: “Pushing Through the Last Mile to End the Pandemic and Build Back Better”.
“We are now in the era of vaccines and non-pharmaceutical intervention measures.
“We need to encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated and keep observing washing of hands, wearing of face masks, keeping physical distance and avoiding crowded areas. Nigeria has invested in vaccines that can cover over 70 per cent of our population before the end of 2022.
“These vaccines are safe and efficacious; it is better and safer to be vaccinated against this virus, now,” Mustapha said.
He stated that by the end of the committee’s work, the country’s COVID-19 response would have been reviewed from February 2020 to November 2021 in order to identify successes, gaps, and lessons learned; as well as identify resources and develop strategies to actualize the country’s expressed international commitments to end COVID-19 by December 31, 2022, among other things.
Other expectations, according to the SGF, include the formulation of concrete recommendations for President Muhammadu Buhari on the governance structure, resources, and policies required to eliminate COVID-19 in Nigeria by December 31, 2022.
He said the proposals would include how to restore the health-care system and the economy so that future threats can be met more effectively.
He said, “Nigeria’s COVID-19 response has been driven by science, data and experience since then till date.
“The national response has been driven by a multi-sectoral process which facilitated expansive and in-depth consideration of issues as well as speedy decision-making.
“The process enjoyed the overwhelming support of partners from the private sector and the international community. Through these partners, Nigeria was able to put in place critical infrastructure nationwide, procure scarce medical equipment, test kits and personal protective materials.”
