Billions spent to procure COVID vaccines
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during an outreach to Region One
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during an outreach to Region One

— protect yourself and loved ones; get vaccinated, urges Minister Croal as campaign intensifies in Moruca

MORUCA of the three sub-regions of Barima Waini, Region One, has had the lowest vaccination rate. As a result, the national vaccination efforts have intensified in that area, according to Minister of Housing, Collin Croal.
During an outreach to Waramuri on Saturday, Minister Croal encouraged residents to get vaccinated. He said that billions are currently being spent to ensure that enough vaccines are procured to ensure that all Guyanese are immunised against the deadly coronavirus.
“They are some countries that they do not have enough of the vaccines available to even vaccinate one person. You have an opportunity where we have thousands here in our country,” Croal said.
The minister indicated too that regardless of how many doses of vaccines are procured, these will do no good being left in storage. “Please, take your vaccines,” Croal pleaded.

These residents of Branch Road, Mahaicony, proudly show off their vaccination cards

He informed the residents that so far, in excess of 150,000 persons have been vaccinated, and that the taming of the novel coronavirus rests on the immunisation of at least 90 per cent of Guyana’s population.
“While the aspect of our vaccination is optional, we also have to recognise that vaccination is the way to defeat the COVID pandemic,” the Housing Minister emphasised.
He said too that while being vaccinated now is a choice, this might not remain the case, since vaccination may soon become a requirement for many undertakings, including international travel. As a matter of fact, it was only recently that Giftland Mall announced that it will not be taking new recruits who have not been vaccinated.
“There may come a time when you may not even have access to public services without being vaccinated,” the minister noted.
Similar sentiments were also shared by Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who reminded residents that all top government officials, including the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, have been vaccinated and remain in perfect health.

Over the past few weeks the government has been capitalising on the countrywide launch of its 20,000 online scholarships initiative to promote the national vaccination programme. On many of the outreaches, various ministers of government are accompanied by vaccination teams from the Ministry of Health, providing on-the-spot vaccinations. A few days ago in Linden, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill cautioned persons against believing the misinformation being peddled about the COVID-19 vaccines. He assured Lindeners that the vaccines are perfectly safe, and that it is the only way for Guyanese to guard themselves against the virus that continues to devastate the world. During a scholarship outreach in Region Five, Education Minister Priya Manickchand also pleaded with teachers to take the vaccine. “We will only be as protected as the person next to us. We can’t reopen schools and UG if we don’t take the vaccination number to a certain point,” she said.
First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali had also released a broadcast message pleading with persons to become vaccinated. “Vaccines are one of the most successful developments in modern medicine. It has made possible the eradication of small pox and provides hope for an end to this devastating pandemic, which has claimed the lives of over three million people,” Mrs. Ali said.

She emphasised that “Vaccines act as a protective shield, keeping our families and communities safe and bringing us closer to a day when we can put preventative [sic] diseases behind us.” The First Lady lamented the fact that for vaccines to effectively make a difference, they require investments, trust and confidence.
“With countries scrambling to access vaccines to protect their populations, we must recognise how fortunate we are to have access to vaccines,” Mrs. Ali acknowledged.
So far, Guyana’s positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with more than 300 persons having already succumbed to complications caused by the virus.
“Get vaccinated; encourage your families and friends to ensure that they too are vaccinated; not only against COVID-19, but dangerous preventative diseases. Together, we can do this,” the First Lady concluded.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.