Nigeria has almost completed its administration of covid19 first doses, so far with a total number of 1,929,237 Nigerians, representing 96% of the targeted population.
The Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA Dr Facial Shuaib made this known at the covid19 update conference in Abuja.
Dr Shuaib explained that the Agency has begun the administration of the second doses, which has reached 4,683.
He advised individuals who have received their first dose in the last 6 to 12 weeks to check their vaccination cards for the date of their second dose, and ensure that they receive the second dose to gain full protection against COVID-19.
On vaccine supply, the Executive Director expressed worry that the global community was facing great challenges regarding vaccine supply, which has impacted the clarity over Nigeria’s next shipment expected to arrive by the end of July or August.
He However, was optimistic that the Pfizer and BioNTech has pledged to provide 1 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to low-and-middle income countries by the end of 2021, and another 1 billion doses in 2022.
While Johnson & Johnson also signed a deal to provide 200 million doses of its vaccine to Covax.
Separately, the representatives of WHO and UNICEF Country Representatives, Dr Walter Mulombo and Peter Hawk disclosed that the International Monetary Fund was advocating for a $50 billion fund to be spent on ensuring a faster rollout of COVID-19 vaccines globally and should target at least 40% of the global population by the end of this year, and at least 60% by June 2022.
The fund would be used to increase COVAX vaccine coverage, procure additional tests, and expand vaccine production capacity.
They both endorsed the creation of such fund, and emphasize that all nations must have comparable access to COVID-19 vaccines in order to end this pandemic.
RADIO NIGERIA