Several African countries are negotiating price reduction, safety, effectiveness, and proper logistics to stop the ongoing community transmission of the virus. The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Shuaib Faisal, said it is because of these reasons that the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines has been delayed.
Faisal spoke at the event, assuring Nigerians that the government is doing their best in making sure that the vaccines arrive safely, and at a reasonable price for the people of Nigeria.
He said that the expected engagement of additional healthcare workers to administer the vaccine and ensure non-disruption of activities, the intensive capacity building, and the acquisition of new, additional cold chain equipment will contribute richly to strengthening the PHC system.
He also revealed that Nigeria is expecting to receive its consignment of COVID-19 vaccines this month of February 2021. What is now required is for state governments to put all the necessary logistics in place to ensure a successful vaccination exercise in Nigeria.
To further ensure the vaccination exercise, MTN announced a donation of $25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Through its spokesperson, President, and Chief Executive Officer, MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, the company said it is well aware of the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on communities in Nigeria.
MTN believes that Private and Public partnerships are needed if Nigeria is to succeed in fighting off the ravaging pandemic. The company is aiming at supporting a move that will restore social and economic norms for Nigeria and the world as soon as possible.
The donation is meant to support the works of the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination program, and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The donation will help in securing an estimated seven million doses of vaccines in Africa.
