Health personnel prioritized as COVID 19 vaccines arrive the Northwest Region

By Amambo Carrey Pride

          consignment of Sinopharm vaccine

The North West Region like every other regions in the country is witnessing a second wave and a rise in COVID-19 cases. The launching of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the North  West Region took place early morning April 14th, at the multipurpose hall of the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

According to the Regional Delegate for Public Health, the vaccination will be in two phases and for this first phase, a total of 11,400 doses were sent and priority will be given to health personnel who are frontliners in the fight against #COVID.

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh

Regional Delegate Public Health for the NW being vaccinated

The consignment of 11,400 doses was received at the North West Delegation of Public Health by the Secretary General at the North West Governor's office, Viang Mekala, and handed to Dr. Kingsley Che Soh, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health.

Dr. Nsame Denis Nforniwe

Director Regional Hospital Bamenda

During the Launch, it was revealed that there are insufficient Covid19 test kits available to carry out mass testing so, the Regional Hospital Bamenda reserves the limited quantity available for those who actually present with symptoms or for cases requested by the doctors upon consultation. Presenting a cummulative data of the region, 

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh indicated that as of April 10th, the region has recorded over 4580 positive cases, 3774 recoveries, 633 active cases and 173 deaths. 435 health personel were infected, with 5 deaths; 41  pregnant women were infected,  with 2 deaths. This surge in positive cases and deaths related to COVID-19  pushed  the government to reinforce the strict respect of barrier measures. 

Group picture with authorities and staff

The Governor's representative, Viang Mekala, cautioned  the population to use the social media wisely and avoid adhering to rumors and propaganda with regards to the vaccine and any other information that can destabilize the community. After receiving the first dose of the vaccine, Viang Mekala expressed gratitude to the Head of state, President Paul Biya, for all the actions taken to improve on the health of the population against the COVID19 pandemic. He urged the population to continue respecting barrier measures, despite the launch of the vaccine.

Viang Mekala

SG at the Northwest Governors office

It should be noted that health workers in all the health districts and 7 divisions in the region will benefit from 2 doses at an interval of 3 weeks.