The Federal Government on Friday received samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine. This was delivered today by the Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, during a visit to the ministry in Abuja.
It will be recalled that Russia was the first country to approve a vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against the lethal coronavirus.
In a statement signed and revealed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Media, and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, he quoted the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire as saying that
“Nigeria has been participating in series of knowledge exchange and contacts with different research bodies and countries to find solutions to the COVID-19 challenge and has contacted the Embassy of the RussianFederation in Nigeria for right of access immediately the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine was announced”.
Oyetomi stated that “a consensus of decision reached was to quickly refer the vaccine to the necessary professional institutes and agencies of the Federal Ministry of Health beginning with NAFDAC, NIPRD, and for a team of Scientists and advisors to the Ministry toget to work on possible patronage of the Russian Vaccine to alleviate the plight of Nigerians under the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A Ministerial Team is also expected to be raised to continue further engagement with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria on the vaccine as well as other areas of interests highlighted at the meeting” he added.
Others present at the event were the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora; top management of the Health Ministry and other Nigerian Scientists.
