NCDC says COVID-19 not over, rests hope in vaccine

Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said yesterday that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was not yet over; describing the vaccine is a new tool that will go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease.

He was confident that the country would overcome the pandemic through vaccination and other public health measures, so the citizens could return to normal life. “This vaccine provides us an opportunity to do that,” he stressed.

During a visit to Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, Ihekweazu said: “it had been an amazing experience in Enugu for the 13 months we have been responding to the biggest pandemic of our lifetime.”

He commended the governor for the “amazing job” his administration was doing with NCDC in the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

Enugu State Governo, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left); Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, during the NCDC DG’s visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu… yesterday.<br />

He applauded Ugwuanyi for demonstrating leadership and his confidence in the vaccine, encouraging everybody in Enugu to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination to protect themselves, their families, and communities.

On the outcome of his visit to Enugu, Ihekweazu said: “Today, we reflected on the past one year; we decided on the path for the future and we know we are stronger together, and in Enugu, we hope to continue leading the response as we have done.”

At the event were members of the Enugu Rapid Response Team, led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi.