COVID-19 Vaccine: Pfizer Places Nigeria top of Priority
List
The Federal Government intends to examine every possible option
in the development and distribution of a vaccine against the
COVID-19 disease, and the health and safety of Nigerian citizens is
the priority of the Buhari administration in that matter.
This was disclosed earlier today by Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo, SAN, during a virtual meeting with representatives of the
BNT162 COVID-19 vaccine candidate on the progress of the vaccine
development around the world, including Africa.
The meeting was attended by the Health Minister, Dr. Osagie
Ehanire and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health
Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib with representatives of
Pfizer and Biotech, the international pharmaceutical firms
promoting the BNT162 vaccine candidate.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, the interaction between the FG and
the promoters of the vaccine candidate “is an important
conversation and it is important for us that we are prioritized-as
the largest country in Africa-in the distribution of the best
COVID-19 vaccine when it’s eventually ready.
“Our priority is the health of the Nigerian citizens. We
continue to engage and intend to look at every possible option
-from all manufacturers- of a good vaccine.. We want to do the very
best for our people in this regard.”
During the meeting the Vice President asked several questions
about the the COVID-19 vaccine candidate including how quickly can
Nigeria get the vaccine once it’s safely ready.
Responding, the Pfizer Country Manager and Representative in
Africa, who spoke for the promoters, Mr. Subair Olayinka disclosed
that “Nigeria will be priority,” for the vaccine supply to
Africa.
Although the vaccine trials are not going on in Nigeria
currently he said the trails are ongoing in parts of the African
continent and it would be entering the third phase, having
concluded the first two phases successfully.
Also speaking the Health Minister noted that the FG would
consider quality, appropriate volume and how well and quick a
vaccine can be delivered to Nigeria in deciding which manufacturer
to make the supply.
Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media &
Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
5th August 2020.