By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
UNICEF on Tuesday organized a one day sensitization workshop for Borno state traditional and religious leaders on covid-19 vaccination exercise which had commenced on 13th March 2021 after the receipt of 75,510 doses of the vaccines.
Recalled that the vaccine was launched in the state by the Chairman Borno State Covid 19 task force who is also the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Kadafur, at the Government House Maiduguri, followed by the Chief of Staff to Governor, Professor Isa Marte along other State Executive Council members and Government House staff also took the vaccine.
Addressing the traditional and religious leaders at the Covid-19 workshop held in Maiduguri, The Executive Director, Borno State Primary HealthCare Development Agency (BSPHCDA), Dr. Suleiman, said the sensitization programme was organized purposely to enlighten and educate the leaders on the general effect of the pandemic, its processes, preventive measures, facilities, significance of health workers as well as the challenges associated with the pandemic.
Represented by the Director, Disease Control, BSPHCDA, Babagana Abiso, the Executive Director added that following the series of false messages posted online about Covid-19, it became necessary for the agency to assemble the leaders and sensitized them on the disease and preventive measures in order for them to enlighten their followers on the need to take the vaccine to boost their immunity and improve their health.
The Executive Secretary condemned the rumour making the round that the Covid-19 vaccine kills amd paralyses people, while maintaining that such misinformation were from people who are not interested in the vaccine.
“The vaccine is safe, free and everybody can voluntarily take it at the designated health centers to improve health. Very soon it may be compulsory for anybody to present a certificate of Covid 19 vaccine certificate before he or she migrates to another country, even Saudia for and hajj”, he added.
On her part, The UNICEF Communication for Development Specialists, Dr. Elizabeth Onitola advised the leaders to sensitize their followers properly that the vaccine is vital, free and voluntary but necessary for all to take the vaccine for protective measures.
Dr. Onitola further debunked the rumour that Covid 19 is harmful and unsafe, citing many health workers and top government functionaries as well as traditional and religious leaders that have already taken the vaccine with no recorded adverse effects.
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