Arrival of COVID-19 vaccines a significant milestone, says SGF

Boss Mustapha, chairman of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, says the arrival of AstraZeneca vaccines marks a significant milestone in the response to the pandemic. 

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday, Mustapha said the arrival of the 3.94 million doses was made possible by the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, domestic stakeholders, and the international community.

“The arrival of the Astra-Zeneca vaccines today marks a significant milestone in the National Response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria”, he said.

“The successful development of vaccines and the accelerated process for emergency authorisation has brought hope to humanity all over the world.

“​Prior to the vaccines phase, we had introduced and promoted the non-pharmaceutical interventions. These remain very valid measures to take under the Infection Prevention and Control Policy.

Mustapha advised Nigerians to continue to adhere to the COVID protocols, noting that the “vaccines administration plan is expected to reach 70% 0f our population between 2021 and 2022”.

He added: “Although this consignment of vaccines is just 9.924m doses of the expected 16m doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX Facility, we are indeed grateful to the coalition that has made this possible for us to receive it.”

Mustapha said the vaccines will be administered in a strategically-planned manner, first to healthcare workers, adding that the PTF will ensure transparency, efficiency and economy under the process.