The federal government on Tuesday announced its plan to take COVID-19 vaccination exercise to churches.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib stated this during a meeting with the leaders of Christain Association of Nigeria in Abuja.
According to him, Christian leaders across the country have been formidable pillars of support in all primary health care interventions.
“I am aware that in the States and LGAs, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria are strong and committed members of the State and LGA Task Forces on Immunization.
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“These ambassadors have contributed immensely to confidence building and trust in Government led public health programs, especially in the days of the Nigeria polio eradication program when we were battling with high rate of refusals to vaccination due to rumours and misinformation.
“I am glad to inform you that from this Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out, we have introduced Sunday Vaccination,” he said.
He added that, working with the state governments, arrangement have been made 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 said.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Nigerian Interfaith Action Association, Sunday Onuoha called on Christian leaders to partner with the government in promoting acceptance of the vaccine.
He noted that faith leaders were in position to address misinformation while enhancing public health impact.
“We are here because we know that faith leaders have the capacity and authority to effect a change of mind and drive acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
“The Church, and all faith community will partner with the federal government to make Nigerians smile, we succeeded with polio, malaria and we will succeed in this time of COVID-19,” he said.
Similarly, the Minister of state for health, Mamora Olorunnimbe urged the christian leaders to mobilize its members for vaccination.
He said that the only way Nigerians can reciprocate the efforts of the government in securing the health of the populace was to access the vaccines provided.
“The highly dreaded delta variants is here with us, hence we must mobilize our congregation to quickly take the vaccines, so that the government can get more.
“The vaccine are effective and safe, they have been certified by the world health organisation and NAFDAC.
“You all have the responsibility as leaders to protect the lives of your followers,” he said.