The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked Nigeria, fourth-best in the world for covid-19 response.
This was disclosed in Abuja by WHO’s Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo at an event to mark the arrival of the first consignment of 177,600 doses of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, August 12, 2021.
According to Dr Walter, the arrival of 177,600 J&J vaccines is another landmark event to prove Nigeria’s response to covid-19 pandemic, making her one of the most successful in handling the pandemic so far in the world.
“We are witnessing the symbolic arrival of 177,600 Johnson & Johnson vaccines, another landmark event in Nigeria’s response to COVID-19 pandemic; widely acclaimed by many as one of the most successful so far in the world.
“Nigeria was ranked fourth among the top ten most successful responses to COVID-19.
“WHO had on many occasions, commended the government, including the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), for the successful completion of the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out with the vaccination of the frontline workers and other priority groups who are at high risk of COVID-19.
“Nigeria’s preparation for the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination, involving more resources and logistics, is highly commendable.
“These vaccines are safe and effective and will be the game-changer; but for the foreseeable future, we must continue wearing masks, physically distance and avoid crowds.
“J&J vaccine is highly effective against the Delta variant and against severe disease, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.” Dr Walter said.