The Office of the First Lady resumed its #LOVEProtects Vaccination campaign with the hope of reaching more Namibians and encouraging them to get vaccinated, especially now with the fifth wave making rounds in the country.
The initiative was kickstarted in response to the onset of a fifth wave of Covid-19 in the country, bringing vaccines closer to the people and also serving as a platform to allow the public to ask questions to the experts on site.
The day, hosted at Soweto Market in Katutura last week, recorded 221 jabs given, after members of the community were thoroughly informed of key issues to be aware of about the pandemic.
“#LOVEProtects has proven time and time again that they are dedicated to putting the community first. The community members were receptive, correct information was disseminated and opportunity for vaccination was granted,” said Dr Esperance Luvindao.
Information sharing, from reliable sources, is crucial in these times, hence the team has decided to rope in people to translate the health terms into vernaculars like Afrikaans, Oshikwanyama, Otjiherero and Khoe-khoegowab which may not be easily comprehensible in English.
The #LOVEProtects campaign takes pride in increasing accessibility to Covid-19 vaccination services and providing a platform for the public to engage health professionals on the pandemic.
“Data has shown that a drastic increase in Covid-19- infection rates occur during the winter months, therefore we must continue to provide critical services and Covid-19 information to the Namibian public,” said Saddam Biwa, project lead for #LOVEProtects. The team hosted the first of four monthly #VaccinationPopUps.
Some of the main concerns noted by community members were digitising their vaccination cards for travel purposes as well as gaining clarity on the booster shot.
The executive director of the health minister, Ben Nangombe, said looking at the epidemiological data, an increase in the number of new infections this winter may be observed.
“This is why we are encouraging people to get vaccinated as Namibia is currently experiencing the fifth wave of the pandemic and to follow the Covid-19 public health protocols,” said Nangombe.
The health ministry stated that by 5 June 2022, 23 025 children aged 12-17 years have received one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, representing 7.5% of the target population 307 298. Of these, 11 568 are fully vaccinated.
The cumulative number of people vaccinated with the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for both adults and children is 490 651, of which 420 964 are fully vaccinated, translating to 24.0% of the total target population of 1 779 271.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na