By: Emmanuel Adigwe,Ogun state
part of plans to meet its COVID-19 vaccination target, the Ogun state government, with the aid of the Primary Health Care Development Board, has started an “Operation Campus Storm”, a ramp-up exercise targeted at reaching over 400,000 eligible youths in and outside tertiary institutions.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, announced this in a chat with newsmen during the exercise at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Ogu state.
The commissioner said the statistics in the state had shown that there was a huge vaccination gap in people of ages 18 to 25 years, hence the need to focus on them.
Coker, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, stated that the exercise was to have 70 percent coverage among students, as well as ensure their safety and protection from the virus before, during, and after teaching and learning periods.
“When we analyzed our data, the statistics showed that the people of ages 18 to 25 have not been reached, so we have decided to focus on them in the next 15 days in our campuses. We have met with student leaders and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise”, she said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the exercise, which began on Monday, January 24, and will end on Monday, February 7, 2022, would be extended to people outside tertiary institutions, including, youths in communities, artisans, transporters, among others, urging residents to come out en-mass and be vaccinated.
The commissioner assured the people of Ogun state of their safety and well-being saying that the vaccine was safe and effective, noting that health workers had been adequately trained to administer vaccines at designated public and private facilities and other mobile posts in and outside campuses.
