By Amina Ahmed
(NAN) Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, says it will partner Bauchi State Government to enhance uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine to stem spread of the pandemic..
Ms Halima Maigari, CITAD’s Champion on COVID-19, stated this during an interactive session with the management staff of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Maigari said the organisation would implement awareness creation programmes with support of MacArthur Foundation, to dispel myths and misconceptions about the vaccine.
This, she said, is a deliberate attempt to mobilise participation and improve uptake of the vaccine at the grassroots.
According to her, the organisation will engage stakeholders to reach the larger section of the society on the imperative of the vaccination exercise.
“Some of the impediments for non acceptance of the vaccine are fake news, traditional beliefs, misinformation among others.
“The objective of the activity is to dispel misconception and fake news associated with COVID 19 vaccine.
“To reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection, local approach must be employed to facilitate information,” she said, adding that radio jingles would be sponsored to further create awareness using quality materials.
Maigari noted that such collaboration between the organisation and government agencies would facilitate advocacy and sensitisation activities in health facilities across the state.
In his remarks, the BSPHCDA’s Executive Chairman, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, said that the state with support from Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) had embarked on sensitisation activities in market places in the state.
Mohammed said that the agency would also organised meeting with professional bodies and leaders of non formal sector organisations, people with disabilities among others.
He said that BA-N had spent N18.5 million to create demand and mobilise vaccination teams across the 20 Local government areas of the state.
The Chairman said the state had so far exhausted 42,000 doses of the vaccine in the last five days due to the increase in demand, and urged people not to panic in case of developing mild fever or headache after the vaccination.
“With the support of BA-N, we were able to use all 42,000 vaccines prior to their expiration date by the end of January 2022. (NAN)
