The Anambra Government, on Tuesday, flagged off the third phase of COVID-19 Mass Vaccination in the state to protect residents against the pandemic.

Dr. Chioma Ezenyimulu, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, during the flag-off ceremony, in Awka, said the 3rd Phase of the vaccination would run from Dec. 7, 2021, to Jan. 6, 2022.

Ezenyimulu said that the speedy discovery of COVID-19 vaccines and the subsequent mass vaccination campaigns had drastically reduced morbidity and mortality of the disease.

“We are happy that Nigeria has embraced the hope offered by the vaccines. The vaccines have led to a drastic decline of cases worldwide.

“Anambra state commenced COVID-19 vaccination on March 17, using AstraZeneca vaccines and later, Moderna Vaccines.

“Since then we have vaccinated 113,218 residents in the first and second phases of the vaccination campaign.

“To ensure that every ward is reached with this third phase vaccination, 330 Primary Health Centres, 50 accredited private hospitals and 16 special centers will conduct COVID-19 vaccination in the state.

“Having brought the vaccination to our doorsteps, it is hoped that our people, aged 18 years and above will embrace this opportunity especially during this Christmas festivities,” she said.

The Executive Secretary appreciated UNICEF, WHO, and the European Union for providing megaphones for social mobilization and ultracold chain equipment for proper storage of the vaccines.

She, however, urged the state government to intervene in the employment of more health workers to address the challenge of shortage of staff.

Also speaking, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, World Health Organisation, Coordinator in Anambra, said that achieving high population immunity required vaccinating 70 percent of the world population.

“Countries were given a target of vaccinating 10 percent of their population by the end of September 2021, 40 percent by the end of December, and 70 percent by the end of June 2022.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria has barely vaccinated three percent of her population as of Dec.2, 2021.

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“Note that 28 countries including Nigeria have confirmed another type of COVID-19 virus called Omicron, which WHO has categorized as a variant of concern, and 4th wave is being anticipated.

“| want to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and continue to adhere with all the COVID-19 safety measures,” he said.