Citizens must boost Covid-19 fight
…to restore economy
ALL stakeholders must support Government efforts in fighting Covid-19 as the realisation of economic restoration, says Policy Monitoring and Research Center (PMRC) Executive Director, Bernadette Deka-Zulu.
Ms Deka-Zulu said stakeholders could support Government efforts in rebuilding calls for adherence to evolving Covid-19 measures.
This, she said, would in turn would contribute to economic restoration.
She explained in a statement that taking up the Covid-19 vaccine was one sure way to supporting Government to restore the economy.
“As the country is administering the vaccine to those eligible, it is important that people continue adhering to the five golden rules, which will result in less pressure on our health sector and the economy as a whole.
“Therefore, as citizens we are called to support Government efforts in fighting the pandemic, as the realization of economic restoration and rebuilding calls for adherence to evolving Covid-19 measures by all citizens,” Ms Deka-Zulu said.
She urged the various media houses in the country to be ambassadors of the campaign by ensuring correct information was shared with the public concerning the importance of the vaccine, thereby helping citizens make informed decisions.
Ms Deka-Zulu observed that it had been recognised that a lot of sensitisation was still required to allay fears of the possible side effects of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
“It is anticipated that with more awareness, the vaccination turnouts will translate into full coverage.
“Facts about how the vaccine works and its imperative relevance, coupled with a comprehensive feedback mechanism for its side effects (reactions) will go a long way in instilling confidence in the roll out of the vaccine and increase in its uptake,” she said.
She said while the vaccine was not mandatory, citizens were encouraged to get the vaccine to build their immunity and protect themselves against the development of new cases, especially with the onset of the cold season and the threat of a third wave.
“Kenya is currently experiencing a spike in Covid-19 cases and recent patterns have shown that over time this wave may spread to many other countries,” Ms Deka-Zulu said.