Religious leaders join awareness campaign on COVID-19 vaccine in Kano

The Islamic Forum of Nigeria has joined the campaign to raise public awareness regarding the importance of the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine in Kano.

The Executive Secretary of the Forum Professor Salisu Shehu told Journalists during an awareness program in Kano on Saturday that as the country awaits the COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Nigeria there is need to ensure comprehensive communication efforts to manage public expectations and counter vaccine doubtfulness.

He said there is an urgent need for more education as Nigerians need clear, accurate message on the COVID-19 vaccine timelines, efficacy, safety, benefits, possible side effects, with messages tailored to specific populations as needed.

This waiting period should be utilised to educate the public about the reality versus perceived potential side effects of the vaccines, as well as the consequences of receiving versus not receiving it,” said Prof Shehu.

Read Also:FG releases sharing formula for first batch of COVID-19 vaccine doses

Solacebace reports that the program has in attendance Jumu’at Imams, Islamic Scholars, stakeholders among others.

Similarly, Professor Abdurrazak Garba Habib, Co-Chairman, Kano State task force on COVID-19, expressed fear that as countries around the globe prepare to roll out highly complex COVID-19 vaccination, misinformation and pervasive myths about COVID-19 and vaccine programs, in general, undermining confidence and acceptance may fuel mistrust, and in turn the success of the vaccination.

He urged the government to prioritize a plan for communication by doing more on sending the right information on COVID-19 vaccine instead of leaving people with misinformation.