Medical workers have advised the Federal Government to prioritize administering the COVID-19 vaccines to health workers and aged persons before others.
The Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives and a coalition of labour and civil society organisations, the Alliance for the Survival of COVID-19 and Beyond, also urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
The NMA National President, Professor Innocent Ujah, called on the Federal Government to ensure openness in the distribution of the vaccine.
His words, “The issue of openness is very important. Even if the vaccine doses are very few, let Nigerians know that they are appropriately distributed. This will avoid mistrust and anxiety among Nigerians.
“If the vaccine comes, it is appropriate that the frontline health workers who are at the risk should get the first shot.”
On his part, the NANNM President, Abdul Rafiu Adeniji, advised the Federal Government to consider first, health workers, the elderly and children.
Adeniji said, “The vaccine is very useful, but limited in supply for now. We must make use of sound judgment in the distribution of the available ones.
“The distribution should start from healthcare professionals because only a safe worker can deliver quality services. The elderly ones who are at the risk should be the next.”
The ASCAB, a coalition led by human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, said, “Priority should be given to health workers and the community health centres.”
