Akoko Edo Local Health Authority Launches Scale 3.0 Strategy to Ramp Up Covid-19 Vaccination Efforts

The Akoko Edo Local Health Authority (LHA) has kickstarted the scale 3.0 strategy to intensify Covid-19 vaccination in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

In a ceremonial declaration, Dr. Innocent Alenoghena, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Acting Chairman, emphasized the state government’s unwavering dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of the people in Akoko-Edo and throughout the state.

“With our collaboration with health workers key, our mission is to propel Edo State forward and maintain our number one position in Covid-19 immunization,” said Alenoghena.

During the ceremony, the HOLGA expressed gratitude to Dr. Iraoya Howiks, the Director of Primary Health Care (DPHC) and the EDO North Monitor on Covid-19, for the LG’s commendable efforts in combating the pandemic and other health-related issues.

Howiks encouraged the audience to look beyond Scale 3.0 and focus on sustaining their efforts, aiming to maintain their top rank in Covid-19 control within the state. He emphasized the urgency to increase their commitment to Covid-19 compliance.

Dr. Alenoghena exemplified the concept of “herd immunity” by pointing out that during the gathering in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth, people weren’t wearing face masks because over 70% had already received the vaccine. He stressed the importance of achieving herd immunity and urged the elderly to get vaccinated.

Howiks informed journalists that the local government council had received accolades as the best performing council in Edo State’s fight against the pandemic, winning the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Agency prize and the Hon. Commissioner for Health award for Covid-19 2.0.

He emphasized the necessity of Scale 3.0 to revitalize their activities and ensure that the local council remains at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19. He mentioned that the program would continue for the next few months.

Dr. Iraoya highlighted that the target group for the vaccination exercise includes individuals aged eighteen years and above, with a specific focus on elderly individuals aged fifty years and above who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension due to their lower immunity.

While reiterating that Covid-19 does not discriminate based on age or gender, he emphasized the increased vulnerability of individuals aged fifty and above. Unvaccinated individuals in this age group have a higher risk of severe illness compared to those who have been vaccinated.

Dr. Iraoya warned that vaccination does not guarantee immunity from the disease but significantly reduces the severity of symptoms. He emphasized the safety, efficacy, and availability of the vaccines, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, some of which require multiple doses and booster shots.

Ms. Odihi Patience, the State Supervisor on Covid-19, appealed to everyone to disseminate the information to those unable to attend the event. The vaccination exercise, which commenced on August 22nd, will span a duration of 90 days.

The event was attended by local government council leaders, security personnel, and representatives from the Otaru Palace, among others.