Samba Baldeh, was speaking recently at Nassir Senior Secondary School, Basse, Upper River Region, where students of the school volunteered to get vaccinated, as the country marches towards achieving 70% covid-19 vaccination coverage.
He acknowledged that he was in other regions and observed that the campaign was going successfully and thanked the Ministry of Health for the leadership role they have played.
The ninth round of the nationwide exercise ended on a high note last Friday, with health officials expressing deight with the turn out.
To this end, he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for spearheading the campaign and ensuring that it was done concurrently across the country targeting children aged 12 and above.
“Looking at the coverage of the campaign, it is going fine as we are registering success and coverage too is high compared to previous campaigns.”
This, he said, shows that the awareness level has increased, adding that the involvement of children in the campaign is crucial and would help greatly in reducing covid-19 cases.
“I think this is important as the target is children aged12 years and above. We are not only targeting children, but other categories and is all to ensure that we have herd immunity in the country. If we are able to reach 70% of the country’s target, we stand a better chance in preventing or reducing further transmission of Covid-19.”
Baldeh spoke highly of the efficacy of those covid-19 vaccines currently being administered across the country, affirming that the vaccines have been tested and used in other countries across the globe.
As partners, Baldeh said, his institution would continue to complement government in its efforts to curb further cases, hinting that they are also thinking of reintegrating the covid-19 vaccination into routine vaccination.
“As you are aware there is routine vaccination in every catchment area or health facility. So once this is integrated, we will surely increase uptake of covid-19 vaccines and to easily ensure the target of 70% is achieved.”
The UNICEF officer expressed delight at the response from the locals during the just concluded campaign.
“I was in Lower River and other regions and the campaign has been smooth. People in these areas have been responsive and we have not seen lot of refusals, because I think the awareness level has increased. We are also in the communities and we notice that people are coming for these vaccines.”
Baldeh on behalf of UNICEF extended appreciation to their donors through the USAID, WHO and GAVI for their efforts in ensuring the country achieves its 70% target.
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