The Ministerial Vaccine Taskforce from the National Control Centre, led by Deputy Controller Dr. Daoni Esorom, recently met with the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to discuss and implement effective ways to solve some of West Sepik Province’s challenges in terms of COVID 19 vaccination.
As per the mission of the Vaccine Taskforce, it was identified that out of 38 health facilities in West Sepik, 28 had no stock of COVID 19 vaccines while 7 only had access to COVID 19 vaccines. Three facilities neither had COVID 19 vaccines, nor Cold Chain Equipment to store vaccines.
Dr. Daoni strongly advised the West Sepik PHA that it was advisable to incorporate five priority areas of focus into PHA work plans, which were Surveillance, Laboratory Services, Logistics and Supply, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities and vaccines.
He added that these were key areas to ensure the effective delivery of basic health services to the entire population and to manage Public Health Emergency and Safety.
“Vaccine Taskforce will be working alongside leaders and Provincial Health Authorities to ensure health facilities are stocked with COVID 19 vaccine by March.”
“We need to take care of our vaccines and ensure they are accessible, given the high costs of vaccines and how it is saving our government so much money with the help of donor partners to make vaccines available for our country.”
The Vaccine Taskforce is integrating its focus in vaccines deployment to ensure that from next month onward, routine immunization will also be a key focus for the Vaccine Taskforce as it collaboratively works with other health authorities and donor partners to normalize the uptake of COVID 19 vaccines in the country.
Furthermore, West Sepik PHA was commended for its effective RCCE and health promotional activities, driving its routine immunization to 50% coverage: one of the top three provinces in the country.
Lead partner to the West Sepik PHA, PATH expressed its gratitude to the support from the National Control Centre for the implementation of COVID 19 programs. This paved way for PATH to expand into to other priority areas that contributes to health systems strengthening in the province.
Meanwhile Director of Provincial Health West Sepik, Dr. Trevor Kelebi, said that NCC’s presence shows the commitment in bettering not just management of COVID 19 West Sepik Province but also other health services. “Uptake of COVID vaccination is the best way to ensure the protection of one’s health and that of their families.”