By Ismail MS Naban
Gambia’s President Adama Barrow on Wednesday, 10th March 2021, officiated the launch of national Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign following the Gambia’s receipt of a consignment of AstraZeneca vaccine, and also a “vaccine largesse” from his Senegalese counterpart.
According to official version, The Gambia has received thirty-six thousand (36,000) doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine under the Covax package, which President Adama Barrow deemed “remarkable!”
Despite its small size and population, the country has registered over four thousand cases, and over 150 Covid-related deaths, as indicated by health authorities. The positive cases and related deaths take upward trends as many people continue to disregard Covid safety precautions and measures.
Meanwhile, in his launching remarks, the chief of State recalled: “A year ago, the country officially recorded the first case of COVID-19. At present, the infection rate stands close to five thousand cases, hence the restrictions imposed recently. Although most of those infected have recovered, unfortunately, over one hundred and fifty deaths have been recorded countrywide.”
The president reminded his people that, the pandemic has crossed all borders and boundaries of gender, age, status and other characteristics. Like other sectors, not even the frontline defenders in health or the security have been spared, he intimated.
He lamented that their national scenario reflects the global situation, with loss of loved ones, friends and citizens both in the country and the Diaspora. “The pandemic has taken its toll on virtually everyone, emotionally, socially, economically or otherwise,” he aptly put.
President Barrow opined it’s a relief, therefore, that suitable vaccines have been discovered, tested and approved by reliable experts, adding he’s sure all of them wish that the vaccines were discovered earlier to save more lives.
Some Gambians, like many people in other parts of the world, are sceptical about the “efficacy and safety” of these Covid vaccines which were “rapidly developed” to counter this global menace that continues to ravage the globe without respect for any personalities.
But this is what the Gambian leader had to say–prior to taking the first jab of the vaccine in the country, with his Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray; Health Minister Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh; the WHO Representative in Banjul Dr. Desta Tiruneh-(Ethiopian national); and two prominent leaders of Muslim and Christian faiths, among others, followed suit–: “Let me reassure you that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for the prevention and control of COVID-19.
“On behalf of the Government and People of The Gambia, I express sincere gratitude to the Global Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO for this important development.” He also acknowledged his government had received ten thousand (10,000) doses of the Sino-Pharma vaccine from the Government of Senegal, and he saluted his brother, President Macky Sall of Senegal “for this kind gesture”.
In another development, the President disclosed, the World Bank has provided resources to procure up to forty per cent (40%) of the country’s vaccine requirement, noting it would complement the twenty per cent (20%) already secured through the Covax arrangement.
“The first batch of this lot is available, and will be rolled out today. This is a positive step towards realising my government’s urgent and passionate desire for full protection of every citizen against COVID-19.
“In launching the COVID-19 vaccination campaign today, priority will be given to those who are highly at risk and the most vulnerable segments of the population.
“These are the frontline health workers, those aged sixty-five (65) and above, and people with health conditions. With the arrival of more vaccines, the campaign will be expanded to include other segments of the population,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, he said his government is working with other partners, such as Medical Research Council (MRC)- Gambia and Africa Centre for Disease Control, to secure additional doses to meet the estimated national requirement. He used the opportunity to also put on record the efforts of stakeholders in the fight.
Hear him: “I express gratitude to Red Cross and the volunteers as well as individual Gambians who all have contributed immensely in the fight against COVID. Government hails with much appreciation the efforts of the internal technical experts committees, including our well experienced retired and serving senior Gambian health professionals who have served in various capacities both locally and international.”
Barrow continued: “We are grateful to our partners and friends for supporting us to fight the pandemic, and recover from its effects in order to focus on building a stronger nation.”
To recover from the pandemic and revive the Gambian economy, he charged that, they have to work together as a nation at community and national level; that together, they should take leadership and responsibility for building a healthy and strong nation.
“Knowing that the coronavirus knows no boundary, let us not relent. Despite the availability of vaccines, new variants of the virus continue to emerge around the world, which should compel us to remain vigilant,” Gambia’s President cautioned his people. He further said they must continue to act responsibly, and ensure that they wear a mask properly in public, wash their hands regularly, avoid handshaking and practise physical distancing.
President Barrow concluded his remarks with: “By taking an inoculation shot, I graciously and proudly declare the National COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign for The Gambia launched. I thank you for your attention.”
The challenge now is to convince all and sundry to take the Covid virus shots, in order to defeat this global enemy of mankind. But whether or not that is attainable, only time will tell.
