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From Gyang Bere, Jos
The implementing Partner of the COVID-19 Vaccine Public Education Project of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Macarthur Foundation, Friday Bako, said Nigeria has recorded 260,764 cases of COVID-19 and 3,147 deaths.
He noted that 425 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded recently in 14 states in the country with Lagos taking the highest cases.
The Implementing partner, Friday Bako disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos during a media Parley, sponsored by
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Macarthur Foundation.
He said, In Nigeria 260,764 cases were recorded with 3,147 deaths so far and 4,025 active cases. From 23rd to 25th July 2022, 425 new confirmed cases were recorded in 14 States of Nigeria with Lagos State having 124 cases (29%).
“Plateau State recorded 10,279 confirmed cases, 75 Deaths and 21 persons on admission. This is an indication that the virus is still around hence the need for the citizens to be vaccinated so that we can achieve herd immunity.
“It is important that the citizens do not lose guard because of the relaxation of the COVID-19 protocols which were in place and meant to stop the spread of the virus.”
He explained that the ongoing COVID-19 Vaccine Public Awareness Campaign is a one-year project sponsored by the CITAD/MacArthur Foundation to promote vaccine acceptance and access for marginalised groups in the Northern States of Nigeria.
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Bako said the core objective of the project was to carry out public education on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 Vaccines to tackle vaccine resistance and hesitancy which in turn will increase the rate of vaccination in the state.
“To monitor the deployment, distribution and use of the vaccine in order to promote accountability and transparency in the management of the vaccine working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the state level counterparts as well as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as well as other civil society actors working on health sector accountability.
“Increase level of information about access points for getting vaccination working closely with the State Primary Health Agencies,” he stated.
Bako noted with delight the critical role of the media in shaping and moulding public opinion, being gatekeepers and sources of accurate information as well as their ability to hold those in authority accountable for their action and inactions.
He informed that the important role of the media in sensitising the public, particularly in northern Nigeria was what necessitated the media Parley, saying: “We have observed how fake news, conspiracy theories and other false claims not scientific proven which have adversely affected the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.
“So far we have conducted two (2) town hall meetings (one each in Plateau North and Central Zone) while two are in the pipeline to be consummated soon, 45 Radio Programmes where we continuously engage public health Experts especially those in Vaccine production and other critical stakeholders to increase awareness on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 Vaccines, drama play, aired 58 Jingles, we have produced banners and placed at strategic parts of the State all in our effort to sensitise the public on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 Vaccines and the need to be vaccinated.
“We are committed to engaging the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, CSOs, Youths/Women Groups, and other community-based organisations to drive this awareness campaign effectively owing to how important they are,” he stated.
