By Mohammed Mohammed
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health has shelled out N10 billion to support local and domestic vaccine production in the country.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osaigie Ehanire, made the disclosure on Monday at a joint briefing by the Ministry and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) in Abuja.
Ehanire said the government was working round the clock to develop the country’s own vaccines.
He explained that the government was exploring out the option of locally producing vaccines in the country even as discussions with local manufacturers is being firmed up.
Why advising the general public not to buy the vaccine from the open market, he alleged that some persons in the country are making claims of having the vaccine for sale.
He advised all citizens to disregard these claims as they were criminal, stressing that security will go after such criminals.
He said: “There are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use which include appropriate regulation and certification by NAFDAC.”
On the need for everyone to adopt extra precautions, he said the prospect of a vaccine arriving soon was a good news adding that the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures remained critical to eliminating and preventing the infections.
He said: “Wear your face masks, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitisers, avoid close contacts and crowded places and if you have symptoms like cough, difficulty in breathing, sudden loss of taste and smell, and fever, please get tested.”