From Zara Nwachinemere, Abakaliki
The World Health Organization, (WHO) on Monday disclosed that Ebonyi State has so far recorded 43 deaths following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Molumbo, made the disclosure in his goodwill message during the flagged off of massive vaccination campaign by the Ebonyi state government at the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki.
Dr Molumbo said that according to Nigeria Center for Disease Control, (NCDC) report, Ebonyi has recorded Two thousand one hundred and fifty nine confirmed cases, two thousand and four discharged and fourth three deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 2%.
“In Nigeria as stated by NCDC, there were two hundred and twenty six thousand nine hundred and five confirmed cases, nine hundred and eighty three thousand active cases, two hundred and eleven thousand five hundred thirty seven discharged. Two thousand nine hundred eighty five death,” he added
He said that Nigeria was in the fourth stage of COVID-19 vaccination, noting that COVID-19 has no barrier and must be fought holistically.
Dr. Molumbo, assured that WHO would continue to assist the State Government to achieve health immunity in COVID-19 containment.
In his speech, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, encouraged Ebonyians to freely take the vaccines as they are effective and free of side effects.
He called on Staff of the State Ministry of Health and Local Government Chairmen to step up efforts in ensuring that the State reaches its landmark target in vaccine administration.
“We will work with the Local Government Chairmen so that if it is possible we will go house to house to administer the vaccines, we are almost the last, we have always come first in financial transparency and others, the Ministry of Health will have no holiday, they will have to move from house to house.
“May I with total gratitude to God flag off massive, total and dedicated vaccination of all Ebonyians that are above 18 years in Jesus name, amen.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, commended Governor David Nweze Umahi for his efforts at protecting Ebonyians from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Your Excellency it is my honour and privilege to welcome you and your dear wife to this party, Ebonyians are happy with your administration, and in fact to them, it is a prayer answered.
“Today we want to thank God because at the end of every tunnel, there is a light and the invention of COVID-19 vaccine is like the light at the end of the tunnel.
He announced that though the Vaccination target for Ebonyi State is over One hundred thousand, about 94 thousand persons have been administered the vaccine so far.
Dr. Umezurike expressed hope that the flag-off of the massive administration of the vaccines would scale up the coverage and attain the target status.
He encouraged Ebonyians to subscribe to the vaccines as they are effective and devoid of side effects.
“We are saying that COVID-19 is the disease of the white men, it is not true, we are saying that COVID-19 is for the rich, it is not true, the truth is that COVID-19 is real and the vaccine is real and effective.
