The presidential task force on COVID-19 announced yesterday that Nigerian scientists had developed two COVID-19 vaccines awaiting clinical trials and certification.
Chairman of the task force and secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha disclosed this at a briefing in Abuja.
“The disclosure that Nigerian scientists have produced at least two local COVID-19 vaccines which are awaiting clinical trials and certification is significant. This is a welcome development that will open a new vista in scientific breakthrough and will boost the morale and image of the medical industry in the country.
“I call on all relevant agencies to provide the required support and enabling environment for smooth conduct of the remaining protocols for the certification of these vaccines with a view to encouraging and motivating other researchers,” he said.
He said the PTF will keep Nigerians posted about the number of persons vaccinated so far.
Mustapha also disclosed that the PTF received 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from MTN Nigeria.
He urged the other partners to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19.
On the issue of international flights, Mustapha said: “The PTF had informed you in the past few weeks on the discussions on the KLM and Emirates Airlines services in Nigeria. Today (yesterday), I will like to inform you that KLM has commenced full operations in and out of Nigeria since 15th March 2021 while operations of the Emirates in and out of the country has been suspended with the exemption of Cargo and Humanitarian flights.
“In the course of the week, the new travel and quarantine protocols will be unveiled to incorporate persons vaccinated against this virus and make travels safe for international passengers. Efforts are being put in place for the reopening of the Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu international airports,” he added.
He charged the media on the need to be very vigilant on the management of vaccines, saying except there is greater vigilance, there is no guarantee that the vaccines will not find the way into the shelves of patent medicine sellers.
Also speaking at the briefing, the minister of health, Dr Osgie Ehanire said the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is safe
He said the ministry had, last week, met with the officials of the AstraZeneca group, and that there is no cause for alarm regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
“Last week, we met with the AstraZeneca group at the Federal Ministry of Health. The meeting provided an opportunity for one-on-one clarification on the Vaccines. The outcome of the meeting was a reassurance of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine against Covid-19.
“We have not yet recorded unusual side effects among those who have received the vaccine which includes me. NAFDAC is monitoring the process as part of a global tracking of adverse effects of the vaccine. Anyone who has received the vaccine and is experiencing any adverse reaction should please report to NAFDAC using the Med Safety App on your phone or report at the centre where you received the vaccination,” he stated.
