From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State government has flagged off its Scales 3.0 Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination in the state, saying over 96 per cent of infections and deaths recorded were from those who did not take the vaccines.
The state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, said this at the official flag-off ceremony of the SCALES 3.0 Strategy for COVID-19 vaccination in Benin.
Shaibu, represented by the state Commissioner of Health, Prof Obehi Akoria, said the past phases of the COVID-19 pandemic were a trying period where the state recorded an alarming number of infections and deaths.
Shaibu said the government is particularly concerned about the well-being of its citizenry and will do everything in its power to ensure that the state health facilities are not overstretched thus its advocacy for vaccination.
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“The past phases of the COVID-19 pandemic was a trying period where we recorded quite an alarming number of infections and deaths,” Akoria stated.
“It is important to note that over 96 per cent of the infections and all the deaths recorded are of those that didn’t take the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This is why we advocate that as many people as possible get vaccinated so that we do not overstretch our health system and trigger a collapse.
“With what we have seen so far, the pandemic may be here to stay and has intermittently come into our space to disrupt it.
“Hence, it is wise and pragmatic to embrace vaccination which is not only important but also urgent.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is a sustainable solution to help prevent a devastating fifth wave,” she said.