16 million COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in Nigeria soon -UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday disclosed that 16 million doses of the COVAX vaccine for Covid-19 pandemic 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 Covid-19 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 percent by the end of the year. This should be possible, all things being equal”.

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“A lot has been done in ensuring that Nigeria secures the right level of Covid-19 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