Stakeholders in the health sector has called on all Nigerians to prevent the spread of C0VID-19 virus, by adhering to guidelines stipulated by regulatory health agencies.
The experts made the disclosure at
at a media dialogue on immunization (Routine Immunization and COVID-19 vacination) in Yola.
Speaking at the event, WHO Adamawa state Coordinator, Friday Igbinovia, also urged Nigerians to ensure they obtain COVID-19 vaccine.
According to him, vaccine prevents individual from contacting the Corona virus.
“It is essential for all the citizens to obtain the first and second dose of the virus.
It is also important to practice social distancing and wear face mask at all times.
The government is doing their very best to ensure that the vaccine is available to everyone”.
He added that availability of vaccines is likely to reduce the level of severity of the disease and other complications which may lead to death.
The coordinator also enjoined all Nigerians to work together in reducing the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 virus.
Adamawa state incident manager, Stephen John advised Nigerians to stop discriminating those who are down with Corona virus.
“The issue of stigma has made a large number of people not to be comfortable with the vaccine. It has also had a negative effect on the health sector. We all need to have the right perception and belief about the vaccine”.
In the same vein, he charged everyone to follow compliance to procedures in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
“The Corona virus usually comes with different variant, and all hands should be on deck to put an end to the emergence of new variants of the virus.
A high proportion of cases are asymptomatic. The low index of suspicion makes detection difficult and leads to delay in presentation, and increased transmission”.
UNICEF Communication for Development Specialist, Elizabeth Onitolo, said one of the major causes of death in Nigeria , is through vaccine preventable diseases.
“Even though Nigeria has been certified Polio free, we have to be on guard because immunization coverage is still very low.
We are targeting routine immunization for children under one year.
The strategy is to combat measles outbreak .We found out that the two doses of coverage of measles is more effective in children”
“The tendency of Polio still coming back is very high. Once a child is down with Polio, paralysis may occur. We have to ensure that no child suffers from Polio. We are supporting mobilizers to encourage mothers to attend routine immunization “.
