Federal Government says it has released N10 billion to support domestic vaccines production to tackle COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this during the Presidential Task Force COVID-19 briefing on Monday in Abuja.
He noted that the fund was released by the Ministry of Finance to support the production in collaboration with recognised institutions.
In his words;
The Ministry of Finance has released N10 billion to support domestic vaccine production. While we are working to develop our own vaccines, Nigeria is exploring options for licensed production, in collaboration with recognised institutions. We are also exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in the country,
He, however, noted that while the nation seeks to get its own vaccines, other options are being explored for licensed production in collaboration with recognised institutions.
Regarding reports of claims by some persons in Nigeria, to have COVID-19 vaccines for sale in the country, Dr Ehanire advised all citizens to disregard these claims as they are criminal.
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Warning against the risk of fake vaccines, the minister stated;
There are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use which include appropriate regulation and certification by NAFDAC.
He stressed that there is no vaccine yet approved for use, adding that NPHCDA is the only authorized vaccine administrator in Nigeria.
Dr Ehanire also noted that while the prospect of a vaccine arriving soon is cheering, the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures remains critical to preventing infections.
He appealed;
Wear your face masks, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizers, avoid close contacts and crowded places and if you have symptoms like cough, difficulty in breathing, sudden loss of taste and smell, and fever, please get tested.
