Mobilize your members to take COVID-19 vaccine, Minister tells Christian leaders

Dan-Maryam Zayamu

The Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, called on the  Christian leaders to mobilize their members to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
He made the call at a meeting with Christian leaders organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He reiterated that the only way Nigerians can reciprocate the efforts of the government in securing the health of the people was to access the COVID-19 vaccines.
“The highly dreaded Delta variants are here with us, hence we must mobilize our congregation to quickly take the vaccines so that the government can get more.
“The vaccines are effective and safe, they have been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NAFDAC.
“You all have the responsibility as leaders to protect the lives of your followers,” he said.
Speaking, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, disclosed that in an effort to ensure that  all Nigeria get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, his agency has introduced Sunday vaccination exercise.
The aim is to target Christians who could not get vaccinated during the week to do so considering that most Christians go to church on Sundays.
The meeting, Shuaib explained, was in line with his agency’s strategic approach of mobilizing the communities for vaccination to ensure effective participation and collaboration in its planning, decision making and implementation processes.
The meeting, he stressed, is to equip the faith community with credible information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
“I am glad to inform you that from this Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out, we have introduced Sunday Vaccination.
“This is to ensure members of the Christian community who may not have had access to the vaccine for whatever reason are given an opportunity to be vaccinated at their worship places.
“I must say that feedback from the field is very encouraging and I sincerely thank all Christian leaders who have given the vaccination team access to their churches and their members to receive COVID-19 vaccine during Sunday service,” Dr. Shuaib, said.
He further disclosed that in collaboration with states, his agency has made special arrangement for corporate vaccination. 
“This is for eligible staff of Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Private/corporate organizations, including Faith-based organizations, their family members, dependants, and retirees to be vaccinated at their convenience. Please visit www.nphcda.gov.ng to access the registration portal,” he explained.