Abuja, 25 March 2021 - Health workers in Osun State heaved sighs of relieved as the state government flagged off the COVID-19 vaccination campaign with vaccines received through the COVAX facility. 

For Dr Olagunoye Ajibola, a medical practitioner at the State Specialist Hospital Osogbo, receiving the jab put his mind at rest knowing that he can effectively discharge his duties without fears of contracting the disease. As a frontline health worker actively involved in managing COVID-19 cases, Dr Ajibola was the first health care worker to receive the vaccine in Osun state. 

“As the team lead for the State case management pillar, I was happy when called upon to be the first recipient of the vaccine. I knew my action would debunk lots of misinformation about the vaccine. I had to lead by example, not minding the speculations”, he said.

On 02 March 2021, Nigeria received nearly 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, shipped via the COVAX Facility, a partnership between Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). The COVAX is co-led by Gavi, WHO and the CEPI, working in partnership with UNICEF, the World Bank, Civil Society Organizations, manufacturers, and others. The COVAX is part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. 

Osun State recorded its first case of the virus on 25 March 2020, and as of 10 March 2021, when the vaccination began in reported 2480 confirmed cases. Osun State Government received 64,240 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine through the Federal Government to vaccinate the first batch of frontline health care workers. 

Dr Ajibola commended the government, WHO and partners for providing the vaccines. He also expressed appreciation for the support plans by WHO, UNICEF and other partners in containing the virus. 

“It’s an experience I wouldn’t forget easily. I have learnt how to work as a team player, improved my Infection Prevention and Control knowledge, psychological management of patients in isolation and patient’s management skills based on various training conducted by WHO.

Not relenting 
Meanwhile, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, during the flag-off of the vaccination campaign, said his administration will not relent in ensuring people of the state have access to quality health care services. 

The Governor, who was the first person to receive the jab in the state, appreciated the President, Muhammadu Buhari, WHO and partners for making the vaccines available to all states. He said receiving the jab was a demonstration of leadership in line with the guideline as scheduled by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). The NPHCDA is the agency in charge of the distribution and monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

Commending the health workers for their enormous contribution to the health sector, he tasked them and Nigerians not to let their guards down and prevent the spread of the virus. 

“I urge everyone to register and take the vaccine at the designated centres and should not ignore using the non-pharmaceutical interventions. It is not yet time to throw away face masks or not washing hands with soap and water. We should remember that COVID-19 pose threats to lives and sources of livelihood. Not collecting the vaccine and playing politics put our lives and families in jeopardy," he added. 

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmed M. Bello, WHO Surveillance Officer and State Coordinator a.i. Osun State, said WHO is looking forward to the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign in the state. 

The WHO has been supporting the state government in combatting the outbreak by ensuring effective contract tracing, regular meetings with Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and sensitization of reporting cases and being at the forefront of the situation.  

Technical Contact:
Dr JEAN BAPTISTE, Anne Eudes. Email: jeana [at] who.int (jeana[at]who[dot]int); Tel: +234 813 173 6281