By Denis Elamu
Several South Sudanese health workers are willing to take risks to fight COVID-19 in the aftermath of being vaccinated with the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
The youngest nation on Tuesday started vaccinating health workers, including elderly people above 60 years of age with the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
On March 25, Juba received 132,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, 132,500 syringes and 1,325 safety boxes for the safe disposal of syringes from the COVAX facility.
South Sudan is expected to receive a total of 732,000 doses of vaccines within the first six months of 2021.
Jawahir Awad Lemi, a nurse at Juba Teaching Hospital which is one of the vaccination centers said she is no longer afraid of catching coronavirus after having received her COVID jab.
“I am not worried of coronavirus because the vaccine gives us protection,” Lemi told Juba Echo on Friday.
Lemi is among health workers assigned to collect samples from people for COVID-19 testing in the main referral hospital.
“I encourage the general public to come and take this vaccine it will protect everyone, there is no need for people to fear taking the vaccine, it is not going to kill people it is just for protection,” she disclosed.
South Sudan’s has so far registered 10,340 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 10,090 recoveries and 114 deaths since April 5 when it registered the first case.
Lemi said that she is continuing to adhere to the preventive health guidelines such as wearing of face mask, hand washing, social distancing, despite having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“After taking the vaccine I still wear my face mask, wash my hands and I will continue to do all preventive measures,” she said.
Judith Cenia Ondogo, maternal neonatal and child health officer at Juba Teaching Hospital expressed relief after being vaccinated, adding that this will help dispel fears and doubts over the efficacy of the vaccines.
“Today, I came and got vaccinated against COVID-19 which has caused loss of many lives in just a few years. I am happy to have the vaccine I wish all our community come and have it, so that the number of deaths reduce,” said Ondogo.
“Many people are fearing because of fear and rumors, there is nothing to fear about the vaccine it will protect us against the coronavirus,” she added.
South Sudan plans to
George Auzanio, director for immunization program in the ministry of health said the available vaccines are not enough, adding that their priority currently is to vaccinate 2.4 million people out of the country’s estimated population of 12 million.
“The vaccines are not enough this is just the first batch of Astra Zeneca vaccines, the second batch will come. Our priority is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population which is about 2.4 million people,” he said.
Auzanio disclosed that the ongoing first round of vaccination will also include, people living with diseases like diabetes, blood pressure and HIV AIDS.
He however, conceded that their plan to expand vaccination in the countryside (states) is being hampered by logistical challenges, in addition to cash shortage.
“We are having logistical and financial difficulties in order to expand the vaccination to the states. If we receive the money immediately, we will roll out the vaccine any time from now to the states,” said Auzanio.
He revealed that about 30 people received COVID jabs on the first day of launching the vaccines in the capital.
Okello John Michael, a dentist based in Juba said that the arrival of the vaccine has brought hope to many South Sudanese.
“I know this vaccine is safe because it has been used in many other countries and people have reported some degree of success,” said Michael after being vaccinated.
He encouraged the public to turn up and get vaccinated.
“I encourage everybody to take the vaccine, by doing that you are protecting yourself personally but also you are protecting the community,” he added.
Atem Riak, director general for primary health care said they are planning to train more health workers before rolling out the vaccines in the states.
“We are working on rolling out the vaccines to the states but first we need to train some people to give out the vaccines correctly,” he said.
