Government has revealed that only way out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country which has greatly slowed down economic activities would be mass vaccination of citizens against the virus.
The statement was made by Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi while expressing dissatisfaction to the slow pace at which Cameroonians are adhering to the vaccine.
The government spokesman was speaking during a joint press conference with Minister of Public Health and other public health experts.
“…it has surprisingly been observed that the expected vaccination rate is relatively low, notably due to a poor adherence of the populations. This is undoubtedly due to disinformation insidiously orchestrated by certain actors and opinion leaders, sometimes spread by some conventional media, and especially, aggravated by the pernicious influence of social media,” he regretted while stating that vaccination remains the only way out.
“…based on the generally accepted opinion, I should say it once again that: vaccination against the coronavirus disease is the only way to guarantee herd immunity, and eventually, a certain victory over this pandemic,” Sadi said, while pleading on national media to fully commit to and support the implementation vaccination which he said is undoubtedly a major national cause.
“It is also important to clarify here that, though voluntary and optional, vaccination of each and every person is an imperative need, which calls on the duty of citizenship and responsibility of each and every one of us,” the MINCOM noted. He added that it is through both individual, collective and unreserved action that people will be the more sensitized on the need to be vaccinated against coronavirus, first to protect themselves and eventually protect and eventually others.
“Government, as usual, will leave no stone unturned so that the doses of vaccine required for the individual protection of citizens be supplied and made available to each and every one, on the basis of equal access and, consequently, no discrimination,” Sadi assured.
He said the national vaccination campaign against the coronavirus initiated 12 April 2021 has been approved and backed by the appropriate scientific authorities at national level, notably, the Scientific Council for Emergencies and the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group.
Manaouda Malachie on his part told reporters that close to 70 300 persons have so far been vaccinated nationwide. He categorically stated if the media doesn’t join government in the fight to get more persons vaccinated, it will be impossible to reach the 20% target before the start of the 2022 AFCON.
He announced that other consignments of the jabs are expected in the country in the months ahead to ensure that many more Cameroonians are vaccinated. The public health boss said stated that till date, no Cameroonian has died as a result of the vaccine.
He said the side effects of the jabs have also been minimal.
As at 11 June 2021, Cameroon has recorded 80,090 confirmed cases including 77,305 people recovered, 1,310 deaths and 1,475 active cases. Among these active cases, 152 were receiving care, including 23 on oxygen. The recovery rate then stood at the same date at 96%, the lethality rate was 1.6% and the severity rate was 0.7%, with a 4.8% bed occupancy rate.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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