By Alimatou S. Bajinka
The Director of Health Promotions at the Ministry of Health, Modou Njai spoke to Gainako Online News on the low uptake of the Covid 19 Vaccine. Mr Njai who also heads the risk communication and community engagement of the COVID 19 public response told our reporter that the “low uptake of COVID-19 vaccine and the movement of people in and out of the country, causes the recent surge in COVID-19 cases”.
According to Mr Njai that has been a relapse in the World Health Organisations Covid 19 measures, which is a cause for concern. Mr Naji says “protocols and precautionary measures are no more observed by people, there were handwash buckets in many households and public places, but all those are nowhere to be seen anywhere. People are no longer washing their hands and wearing face masks. Many are reluctant to take the vaccine. There is no control at the border, the borders are open and the flights are operating, these are responsible for the rise in cases of Covid-19”.
Speaking of the measures their Ministry has put in place to tackle the surge of COVID-19 cases Mr Njai highlighted that “the ministry is ensuring that all the treatment centres are fully supported, and well-trained staff are provided by making sure that they are given all the support needed in fighting the virus. The Ministry is also working towards building the capacity of staff in the areas of contact tracing, rapid response and surveillance”.
According to Mr Njai, the Health Ministry has improved in a number of thematic areas including case management, logistics component and laboratory. He affirmed that all these areas have been strengthened by his Ministry.
“We even expanded our sample collection centres, it was previously done in two places; at the stadium and Turntable but we recently added another one which is at the GTBoard, mainly for tourists who are in the country, to have easy access,” said Mr Njai.
In response to the corona, we are advising patients to self-isolate when they don’t manifest any symptoms. “Those that are tested positive but do not manifest any signs or symptoms are asked to self-isolate themselves in their homes and those that manifest symptoms are taken to the isolation centre,” said Mr Njai.
Speaking about testing Mr Njai noted that the Ministry “also expanded the testing; it is now done in most of the major hospitals and general hospitals in the country. We also make sure to strengthen points of entry that is the airport, seaport and all other points of entry. We make sure that all the staff at the points of entry are trained and well equipped so that the movement of people can be monitored in and out of the country”.