By Hassan Zaggi

The Federal Government has expressed its determination to work with security agencies to check any form of sharp practices in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this at media briefing organised by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, Monday.

“Permit me to once again reiterate that an accountability mechanism has been activated in collaboration with the security agencies to check any anticipated sharp practices in the system.

“We also appeal for the continued alliance of the CSOs in ensuring equity in the deployment of the vaccines to eligible population and any inquiry or complaints should be sent to vaccine.accountability@nphcda.gov.ng,” he stressed.

He, therefore, called on the media, Civil Society Organizations, healthcare advocates and other key stakeholders in the health sector to support the efforts of the government in the ongoing sensitization and mobilization of the public for the acceptance and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to reduce the disease burden and further flatten the pandemic curve.

He further appealed to Nigerians not allow rumours and disinformation to endanger their lives.

“On our part, we shall step up and continue with the sensitization and mobilization of critical stakeholders and the public by educating and engaging communities through existing community structures.

“Just as we did in the ebola response and polio eradication programmes during which we recorded remarkable achievements, similarly, people are looking up to the committed, knowledgeable and skilful health workers to deliver another resounding success in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

“In the next few weeks, in collaboration with States, LGAs and critical stakeholders, we plan to conduct zonal town hall meetings, where there will be open and transparent discussion about vaccine hesitancy and other aspect of the National Covid-19 response.”