The Edo State Government has called for the collaboration and assistance of health professionals in the state to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake of vaccines among health workers and other Edo residents.
Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq. made the appeal when he played host to the executive members of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Edo State branch, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
Okungbowa, who decried the rising mortalities and infections from the deadly virus, called for the support of health workers to increase vaccine uptake in order to protect the majority of citizens against the virus.
Reassuring the government’s commitment to containing the pandemic, the HOS urged all residents to complement the government’s efforts at defeating the pandemic by coming out to get the vaccines, noting that the vaccines are the safest means to ensure that the people are protected.
He stated that the vaccines are free, safe and effective, adding, “in addition to getting vaccinated, residents are encouraged to ensure strict compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the pandemic and protect citizens against the dreaded COVID-19 virus.”
According to him, “the latest report that we have on the virus is frightening, even with the instance that some deaths are not reported. It is the duty of the government, in line with its constituted mandate to protect the lives and property of its citizens, hence the need to ensure that the majority of Edo residents take the vaccines in order to remain healthy and alive.
“The vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective. We urge your collaboration and support. All hands must be on deck in ensuring that your members not only take the vaccines, but encourage other people to do the same.”
Restating the government’s commitment to improving the state’s health sector, Okungbowa said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is ensuring that every sector of the state’s workforce is adequately equipped to function optimally and deliver quality service to Edo people.
Earlier, Chairman of Edo AMLSN, Comr. Nosakhare Lawrence Idemudia commended the government’s efforts at ensuring that the majority of Edo people are vaccinated and protected against the deadly virus.
