September 9, 2024

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Health

Pakistani Senator, Nishtar appointed GAVI CEO, succeeds Prof. Pate

By Abujah Racheal 

In a significant development for the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, Sania Nishtar, a Pakistani senator and seasoned Global Health advocate, has been unveiled as the new executive director, succeeding Prof. Mohammad Pate.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja through an official statement by GAVI.

Pate, who assumed the CEO position in February 2023, recently cited his decision to return to Nigeria and contribute to reshaping the country’s healthcare delivery system.

GAVI, respecting Pate’s choice, appointed David Marlow as the Interim CEO.

Nishtar, with 30 years of experience in public health and medicine, is set to officially take office on March 18.

Her diverse background includes serving as the Federal Minister and assistant to the Prime Minister for Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan from 2018 to 2022.

Her previous roles also extended to the board of directors and advisory committees at GAVI.

The statement emphasised the significance of Nishtar’s appointment for GAVI’s mission, stating, “Her extensive experience in public health and medicine makes her well-suited for the role, and her leadership will be instrumental in advancing GAVI’s objectives.”

Prof. Pate, extending congratulations on his official handle, expressed optimism about the future collaboration with Nishtar and the GAVI board.

He outlined Nigeria’s aspirations, including expanding routine immunisation, reducing zero doses, accelerating newer vaccines, and strengthening Primary Health Care in the country.

GAVI, established 23 years ago, plays a crucial role in global health, and its board includes prominent organisations such as the WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and philanthropic entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GAVI’s COVAX programme distributed two billion doses, estimated to have prevented 2.7 million deaths worldwide. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Mosquito gives malaria
Foreign , Health

Cameroon to introduce malaria vaccine Jan.22

Cameroon Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachieon, says Cameroon will introduce malaria vaccine on Jan. 22.

The minister, in a statement on Tuesday said the move was part of concerted efforts to enhance the fight against malaria and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.

“The selected vaccine, Mosquirix RTS, has been chosen by the country based on its pre-qualification, ensuring guaranteed quality, efficacy, and safety for its inclusion in the vaccination programmes.

“The vaccine will be offered in both public and private health facilities across 42 health districts.

The vaccines provided for children are safe, free, and effective.”

Cameroon took delivery of 331,200 doses of malaria vaccine in November 2023 , the first consignment to arrive in the Central African country.

Malaria is responsible for 70 per cent of deaths among children in Cameroon, according to the Ministry of Public Health. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Vivian Ihechu

Health

HPV: Lagos achieves 40% vaccine coverage

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) says it has administered Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to 40 per cent of targeted girls in Lagos.

The Permanent Secretary of LSPHCB, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos  on Wednesday.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus, with the majority of cervical cancers and other HPV-associated cancers caused by HPV types 16 or 18.

NAN reports that the Federal Government on Oct. 24, 2023 introduced the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation system to prevent cervical cancer among girls aged nine to 14 years.

The vaccination targets 7.7 million girls, which is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region.

The girls will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18 that are known to cause at least 70 per cent  of cervical cancers.

Lagos is among the 16 states in Nigeria slated for the Phase 1 introduction of the HPV vaccine through Multi-Age Campaign style strategies targeting girls aged nine to 14 years in schools and communities.

On Oct. 30, Lagos State introduced HPV vaccines into its routine immunisation programme.

Mustafa, however, noted that the state’s HPV vaccination programme suffered low uptake after its introduction due to misinformation that led to vaccine hesitancy and apathy.

“The coverage is still low, we expect that by now, we would have done 100 per cent of the targeted girls but  we’ve only managed to do 40 per cent.

“Initially, there were serious challenges with the programme to the extent that they almost beat some of the vaccine implementers.

“There was a WhatsApp message that went viral that the vaccine will sterilise, kill the girls, and depopulate blacks.

“That voice note caused a lot of harm, people didn’t want to hear about the vaccine. Even in schools, they shut their gates against us.

“It’s unfortunate that people were against the HPV vaccine, and because of that, our other immunisation campaigns like the oral polio vaccine that had acceptance, people started rejecting it,” he said.

To remedy the situation, Mustafa told NAN that the board embarked on a massive media campaign, intensified its advocacy and dispelled the rumours and misinformation about the vaccine.

According to him, there is currently an improvement and attitudinal change to the vaccine, hoping that the improvement will be sustained.

Toward boosting HPV vaccine coverage in the state, Mustafa disclosed that the HPV vaccine would be integrated into the state’s National Immunisation Plus Day (NIPD) programme.

NIPD is aimed at protecting children below five years of age from Poliomyelitis and scheduled to commence on Nov. 25 in Lagos.

Mustafa added that people can still get the HPV vaccines at PHCs even after the campaign ends until the end of 2024.

He emphasised that the vaccine was free and delivers solid protection against HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), shows that in Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years.

According to WHO, Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2020.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Health

Pate seeks global collaboration to strengthen childhood vaccination, research

By Abujah Racheal

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has called for global collaboration to strengthen childhood vaccination efforts and vaccine research in the region.

Pate made the call while addressing the First Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunisation, organised by the Asia Pacific Immunisation Coalition (APIC) with theme “Vaccination for All: Access, Confidence, and Equity (ACE)” in Singapore.

The minister highlighted the challenges faced in the 21st century, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, economic uncertainties, widening inequities, and climate change.

He emphasised the critical role of vaccines in addressing these crises and called for equitable access, enhanced confidence, and global health equity.

“The summit aims to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that vaccines continue to be a beacon of hope in the age of poly-crisis,” he said.

In such a complex and interconnected world, Pate stressed the strategic role of vaccines in combating infectious threats and protecting human health.

He acknowledged the significant progress made in global health over the past 25 years, with increased life expectancies and reduced child mortality rates, thanks to the expansion of global access to vaccines.

He also highlighted the role of vaccines in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for reopening and economic recovery.

However, he noted that there were still major challenges in ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

“Millions of children worldwide have not completed their basic immunization series, and many lack access to newer vaccines,” he said.

He also highlighted threats to vaccine access and confidence, including lagging COVID-19 vaccine coverage in lower-income countries and the rise of anti-science and anti-vaccine movements.

Pate outlined three key themes of the summit: access, confidence, and equity.

He emphasised the need to prioritise equitable access to vaccines, break down barriers, and integrate vaccine delivery within national health systems.

“Building confidence in vaccines was highlighted as a crucial endeavour, requiring clear communication, addressing misinformation, and engaging with communities.

“Achieving equity in access to vaccines, both within and between countries, was emphasized as a cornerstone for a healthier and more just world.”,” he said.

NAN reports that the summit seeks to mobilise global efforts, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that vaccines continue to be a beacon of hope in the age of poly-crisis.

The summit which ends on Wednesday brought together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from around the globe to engage in thought-provoking discussions and collaborative efforts.

The two-day event featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to address disparities in vaccine distribution and access across regions and communities.

Participants also explored innovative strategies for building trust and confidence in vaccines, shared successful vaccination campaigns and initiatives from various countries and fostered partnerships and collaborations for global vaccine equity. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

FG launches new mechanism to reach children yet to receive routine vaccine

By Abujah Racheal

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Monday unveiled the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) to successfully identify and reach the millions of children who have not yet received a single routine immunisation.

At the launch in Abuja, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said that ZDLH would provide a framework for Nigeria to promptly generate evidence strategies that can be leveraged to measure, monitor and reach zero dose children and missed communities in which they live.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ZDLH is being implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), working as a consortium with the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN ), with support from Gavi through the NPHCDA.

Shuaib expressed gratitude to GAVI, AFENET, and other partners for their support in enhancing vaccination coverage for COVID-19, routine immunization, and accessibility to comprehensive primary healthcare services.

“The government acknowledges the leadership provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritising health in his renewed hope agenda.

“In July 2017, Nigeria declared an emergency concerning routine immunization in response to the alarming findings of the 2016/2017 MICS/NICS report, which revealed a distressing Penta 3 coverage rate of only 33 per cent.

“The government established the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) to address the issue.

“Since the inception of NERICC, immunization coverage has substantially improved throughout the country, with the 2021 NICS report indicating a notable increase, with Penta 3 coverage standing at an encouraging 57 per cent,” he said.

He, however, said that the government acknowledged that it has not attained its designated goal in immunization coverage.

“The government has implemented a range of strategic interventions to address the multitude of challenges and obstacles that have hindered their efforts to establish an effective routine immunization system.

“These initiatives include Optimized Outreach Sessions (OOS), Optimisedv Integrated Routine Immunization Sessions (OIRIS), Routine Immunization Intensification, Quarterly Lot Quality Assurance Survey (LQAS) to access their progress, and other strategies that are gradually yielding positive outcomes,” he explained.

He said that the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in routine immunization efforts, resulting in suboptimal coverage rates.

He, however, said that the government has emerged from this crisis with renewed determination and innovative approaches to fortify its immunization system.

“Our goal remains unwavering: to reach every eligible child and ensure that no child is left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.

He said that the Zero Dose Learning Hub was not just a platform; “It’s a beacon of possibility, a testament to our dedication to reaching every child, and an affirmation of our unwavering belief in the power of vaccination.

“It represents a promise that no child will be left behind, no matter their circumstances or where they are born.

“The government aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals engaged in the administration of immunization services at both national and subnational levels through the learning hub.

“Our aim is to empower them to play an active role in diminishing the number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.

“The launch of the Zero Dose Learning Hub is a milestone moment in the global fight against preventable diseases.

He urged everyone to remember that this was not just about data and statistics; it was about lives saved, futures protected, and communities strengthened.

“It’s about a parent’s relief, a healthcare worker’s dedication, and a child’s smile,” he said.

The NPHCDA boss expressed its deepest gratitude to all partners, healthcare workers, advocates, and communities they serve.

He urged everyone to continue working together to ensure that every child was protected through vaccination.

The Regional Technical Coordinator, AFENET, Dr Patrick Nguku, said that Nigeria was leading the pack of countries with the highest number of zero-dose children globally

Nguku said that the learning hub was an innovative approach to advance the uptake of research and evidence to improve immunization policies and programming in the country.

“Nigeria so far is the fourth country to implement the zero dose hub joining the likes of Mali, Uganda and Bangladesh

“The hub will be implemented in two phases with . Bauchi Borno Kano and Sokoto as priority states based on certain criteria’s bothering on insecurity, and presence of IDP camps amongst other factors,” he said.

Also representing the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, the Chief of Health, Dr Edwardo Celades, said that the zero dose learning hub was a critical initiative to improve immunization coverage and equity in the country.

NAN reports that the Nigerian government launched the GAVI Zero Dose Learning Hub, in partnership with Gavi, the vaccine alliance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

1st new TB vaccine in 100 years advances as organisations fund trial

1st new TB vaccine in 100 years advances as organisations fund trial

 

Vivian Ihechu

Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced funding to advance a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate, M72/AS01E (M72), through a Phase III clinical trial.

If proven effective, M72 could potentially become the first new vaccine to help prevent pulmonary TB, a form of active TB, in more than 100 years.

Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made the announcement at a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

The event featured Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Gates Foundation; Alexander Pym, Director of Infectious Diseases at Wellcome; and Nomathamsanga Majozi, Head of Public Engagement at the Africa Health Research Institute.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the only TB vaccine in use today, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), was first given to people in 1921.

It helps protect babies and young children against severe systemic forms of TB but offers limited protection against pulmonary TB among adolescents and adults.

TB is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, killing about 4,300 people per day, mostly those living in poverty.

In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB and 1.6 million died—about 4,300 people per day.

The disease primarily affects people in low and middle income countries, and those at highest risk are often living in poverty, with poor living and working conditions and undernutrition.

Up to a quarter of the world’s population is thought to have latent TB, a condition in which a person is infected with the bacterium that causes TB but does not have any symptoms and is at risk of progressing to active TB disease.

To support the M72 Phase III clinical trial, which will cost an estimated US$550 million, Wellcome is providing up to US$150 million and the Gates Foundation will fund the remainder, about US$400 million.

The vaccine, called M72, will be given from Year 2024 to 26,000 young adults in Africa and south-east Asia who have a latent infection with the bacteria that cause TB but no symptoms.

Commenting on the efficacy, Trevor Mundel, the Head of Global Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said that M72 had shown much promise in preventing TB in people with latent infections, but were not ill.

This, he said, was an important segment of the population to target.

However, “clear evidence about M72’s efficacy in preventing the emergence of active pulmonary tuberculosis will take several years to emerge from trial.

“Of course we’d be happy with 90 per cent efficacy but from our modelling, 50 per cent is good enough on the assumption that the durability is at least five years.

“Most of the vaccinologists who have looked at the data have said that is likely”.

He said the trial would probably last for four to six years.

Speaking on affordability, he said making the vaccine as affordable and as accessible as possible would be very important.

Julia Gillard, Chair of the Board of Governors at Wellcome, said: “TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

“The development of an affordable, accessible vaccine for adults and adolescents would be game-changing in turning the tide against TB.

“Philanthropy can be a catalyst to drive progress, as shown by this funding of the M72 vaccine as a potential new tool in preventing escalating infectious diseases to protect those most affected.

“Sustainable progress against TB and wider disease threats will depend on global collaboration, financial backing, and political will.

“By working with communities and researchers in countries with a high burden of the disease, we can get one step closer to eliminating TB as a public health threat.”

Nomathamsanqa Majozi, Head of Public Engagement at Africa Health Research Institute, said: “Despite being curable, TB remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa.

“In the area where I live and work, more than half of all people have had, or will have TB at some points in their lives.

“The consequences are devastating, both at a personal and a community level. M72 offers us new hope for a TB-free future.’’

Alexander Pym, the Director of Infectious Disease at Wellcome, said TB was one of the biggest health challenges in the world.

“Treatment is still four to six months long. Diagnostics can still not diagnose early enough to prevent transmission.

“Added to that is the threat of latent TB.”

He said the human immune response to TB was much more complex than to an acute viral infection and this made the process of developing a TB vaccine much longer.

“The challenge is big. We need new approaches and tools,” he said.

According to Pym, a TB vaccine will really be a game-changer; there is a need for TB innovation.

Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commented in a joint statement by the organisations.

“With TB cases and deaths on the rise, the need for new tools has never been more urgent.

“Greater investment in safe and effective TB vaccines, alongside a suite of new diagnostics and treatments could transform TB care for millions of people, saving lives and lowering the burden of this devastating and costly disease.”

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended the support by the Gates Foundation and Wellcome to develop a new TB vaccine.

“WHO welcomes the commitments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome to take forward development of this vaccine candidate.

“WHO will keep supporting vaccine development and access more broadly through its TB Vaccine Accelerator Council.” (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Idris Abdulrahman

Health

No adverse reaction observed in COVID-19 vaccination – NPHDCA

By Abujah Racheal

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said that since the country commenced its COVID-19 vaccination, no Nigerian has observed any adverse reaction, noting that all side effects reported by those who have taken the jab have been mild.

Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director, NPHCDA, said this in a statement he made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

“We are aware of precautionary concerns that have been raised regarding  one specific batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine, namely ABV5300.

“We understand that investigations are being conducted to determine if the batch is in any way linked to an observed side effect.

“While we await the outcome of the investigations, it is important to clearly state that Nigeria did not receive any doses from the batch of vaccines with issues.

Shuaib said that the government is satisfied that the clinical evidence indicates that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective.

“Our assessment is in line with countries such as Spain and the UK who have indicated that they will continue to administer the vaccine, because it remains an important tool to protect against COVID-19.

“The safety of vaccines delivered to Nigeria is paramount to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. For this reason, it has enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders and  technical entities such as the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), NPHCDA, NAFDAC, the WHO and UNICEF whose cooperation ensures the highest global standards are met for vaccines delivered to Nigeria before they are distributed to Nigerians. Clear, rigorous protocols are being followed to safeguard the health of Nigerians,” he noted.

According to him, We are continuing to monitor the developments regarding ABV5300 batch and will share further information as it becomes available.

The NPHCDC boss encouraged Nigerians who were among those being prioritized in the current phase to continue their confidence and enthusiasm for the vitally important national vaccine programme, saying “Together, we can save lives”.

NAN reports that Nigeria, on March 2, took delivery of nearly four million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to the country in batches over the next few months. The vaccines are being provided by COVAX, an unprecedented global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Upon arrival, samples were handed to NAFDAC, the Nigerian food and drug regulatory agency, for further examination.

Nigeria on Friday commenced the vaccination, beginning with healthcare workers who are often at the risk of exposure to infections being the first responders to patients.

Dr. Cyprian Ngong, a medical doctor, became the first person to receive the jab in Nigeria. Three other health workers were also vaccinated during the launch at the National Hospital in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also received jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines to drive vaccine acceptance.

Members of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday received jabs of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines during its weekly National briefing.

The PTF team includes the Chairman, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Environment, Muhammad Mahmood; Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora; Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu; Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeoma, and the National Incident Manager (NIM) PTF, Mukhtar Muhammad, among others. (NAN)

Health

Lagos Govt receives doses of COVID-19 vaccines

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government said it has received doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State disclosed this on Tuesday in Ikeja while speaking at the 2021 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Sanwo-Olu said that the state government received the vaccines at 4a.m. on Tuesday (today) and they were kept in a safe place.

He assured residents that the state government would soon commence the vaccination in line with the scheduled guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The governor implored residents to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols like wearing of face mask, washing of hands and observing social distance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government on March 2 took delivery of four million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

NAN also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday received jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines at the State House, Abuja. (NAN)

 

Health

SGF, ministers, PTF members receive COVID-19 vaccines Monday

By Abujah Racheal

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha and members of the PTF will on Monday in Abuja receive doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The Director Press, Office of the SGF (OSGF), Mr. Willie Bassey, said this in a notice on Sunday.

The development was coming on the heels of the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who received their doses of the vaccine, live, on Saturday at the Presidential Villa.

The SGF and the PTF members would received theirs on Monday after it got a clearance from the Executive Director National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib.

Bassey said that the vaccination would be held at the OSGF during the weekly live joint national briefing of the taskforce.

This means that the PTF regular members, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed; Minister of Environment, Muhammad Mahmood; Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Director General, Nigeria Centre Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr  Chikwe Ihekweazu; and the National Incident Manager (NIM) PTF, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad among others were expected to join Mustapha to receive jabs of the vaccines that first arrived in the country last Tuesday.

The News Agency of  Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Government began the vaccine roll out at the National Hospital, Abuja last Friday with frontline health workers and support staff. (NAN)

Health

Vaccine: FCTA warns against flouting COVID-19 protocols

 

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Administration (FCTA) Ministerial Taskforce on Enforcement of COVID-19 Protocols has warned residents and business premises against violation of COVID-19 Protocols, following  arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria.

Mr Ihkaro Attah, Head Media and Enlightenment of the enforcement taskforce, issued the warning at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

Attah said the taskforce observed that there had  been some kind of relaxation in the minds of many residents on compliance with COVID-19 protocols since the arrival of vaccines into the country.

He reminded the FCT residents that the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations Act, 2021, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, was still being enforced in the territory, adding that anybody or business premises found violating the regulation would be arrested and prosecuted.

” The vaccination currently ongoing is a welcome development and a good one but that doesn’t mean that we should all go and relax, throw away our facemasks, stop our regular washing of hands and stop observing physical distancing.

” We must ensure that we comply with COVID-19 protocols. The  taskforce  set up by the FCT  Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and headed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, will continue to intensify enforcement in the coming days.

” We intensified efforts throughout last week, talking to people, going round the city to educate residents to understand that we prefer  advocacy and enlightenment than enforcement,” he said.

According to him, it appears that some persons are so relaxed, they believe that the vaccine have come so people can jump out of the water and roll out the drums, no, we have  not reached that stage yet.

” We just got about four million vaccines and as President Muhammadu Buhari stated very clearly, there is  need for us to  comply  with the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations Act because other dosage will be coming later on to ensure that Nigerians are heavily vaccinated.

” But before we get the other dosage people must comply with COVID-19 protocols, ” Attah said.

He revealed that from Monday, March 8, residents would see intensive enforcement with a view to waking  people up from slumber, “who feel that the vaccines are out so they can do whatever they liked.”

Attah also disclosed that Mobile Courts would be sitting in some locations that were already known, warning that any body that failed  to put on his facemasks would be arrested and prosecuted.

Similarly, he cautioned that  any business premises that failed  to have hand washing points and temperature check devices would be prosecuted and shut via seal off order from court.

” The FCT minister has directed the taskforce to really intensify enforcement to ensure that people comply with the Presidential Executive Order on COVID-19. (NAN)

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