The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in collaboration with its partners has set a target of reaching 70% of the general population with COVID-19 vaccines. This was made know at a 5 day microplanning exercise organized by the Africa Centers for Disease, Prevention and Control (CDC) at the Golden Tulip on Friday.
In his courtesies, the Director at the Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, Dr. Mohamed Vandi said that COVID-19 disease is not like Ebola where the vaccine was not readily available at the time of the outbreak, adding that if the vaccine had been ready at the time of the outbreak there would have been a mad rush for uptake because the fatality rate was higher.
Dr. Vandi continued that the biggest challenge is telling people who look well and active to take the COVID-19 vaccine because they know people are not dying from COVID-19 like Ebola.
Dr. Vandi was however optimistic of the country reaching its 70% target coverage at the end of the year and stressed that this would not be possible without the unwavering support from the Government and partners. “COVID-19 vaccination is a great feat and ideal way to prevent the disease as it has proven to be effective in limiting the spread and death of corona virus disease,” Dr. Vandi Assured.
Director of Reproductive Health, Dr. Tom Sesay referenced that they started the process some few years ago where they developed an Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) which eventually attracted the Africa CDC. “I am happy that this plan has come to fruition and we are now targeting 70% vaccination of the general population, which I believe the country will achieve with the support of the partners and other players” Dr. Sesay asserted.
The new Child Health and Expanded Programme on Immunization (CH-EPI) , Dr. Desmond M. Kangbai said that according to the available data, they have recorded 16% coverage for target population and 11% for the general population which he noted might sound little for some people, but for them it’s laudable because reaching even 1% of the population in vaccination is not a small effort.
Dr. Kangbai assured that with the commitment of the Health Ministry, the political will and with the support of partners the country will be able to reach the 70% coverage. Mohamed Abubakarr who spoke on behalf of the Africa CDC, said that with the commitment shown by the Government, MoHS and partners he was optimistic that the 70% would be achieved.
The US CDC Country Director stressed that partnership is possible and key in achieving the said target, and that they are committed to support the country to achieve the 70% target coverage and until the country reaches zero cases of COVID-19.
By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma
Health Education Officer – HEP/MoHS