The United Nations International Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF, on Thursday disclosed that 16 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX initiative, would arrive in Nigeria very soon.
Mr Peter Hawkins, UNICEF country representative to Nigeria, made this known in Akure during a courtesy visit to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
Hawkins explained that more doses of the vaccine would arrive over the next few months, which would ensure that the vaccine covered 20 per cent of the population of the country.
“In the meantime, we are exploring how else to bring vaccines in with a view to allowing Nigeria to go to 40 per cent by the end of the year. This should be possible things being equal”.
“We are only halfway through. The pandemic will continue for another one or two years.
“A lot has been done in ensuring that Nigeria secures the right level of vaccine and plans for the equitable distribution of vaccine are being taken through,” he said.
Responding, Akeredolu thanked UNICEF for the support given to the state over the years.
The governor, who lamented the delay in the purchase of vaccine for the Nigerian populace, described the situation as unfortunate.
He also appealed for assistance for a permanent solution to end open defecation in the state.
NAN
