YIAGA: Nigeria needs COVID-19 vaccine management plan for equitable distribution

YIAGA Africa, a civil society organisation, says Nigeria requires a detailed plan for COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

In a statement on Thursday, Cynthia Mbamalu, YIAGA’s director of programmes, also called on governments at all levels to address misinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine in order to encourage people to receive the doses.

According to her, ensuring access to the right information, in line with a plan for distribution, will help the government to meet its vaccination targets.

“As the Federal Government commences the distribution of the vaccines across the country, it is imperative to ensure Nigeria achieves equitable distribution of the vaccines across the country, emphasising gender, disability, and social inclusion,” the statement reads.

“Achieving this requires developing a detailed plan for vaccine rollout, addressing misinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine, and restoring the people’s confidence in the government. These directly impact the government’s ability to meet its vaccination targets, and effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

“There is also a need to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector and systems for efficient vaccine introduction, providing accountability and transparency on the management of funds earmarked by and donated to the government to fight the pandemic.

“Also, there is a need to create avenues for citizens’ participation and a public enlightenment and education campaign that will provide adequate information on the vaccine and the importance of curbing the spread of COVID-19.”

She, however, noted that there is still little detail on how the vaccination targets would be achieved beyond the registration website that provides information on which groups will be given priority.

Nigeria received 3.9 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on March 2.