MOGADISHU, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Somalia has kicked off inoculation against COVID-19 following the arrival of the vaccine in the Horn of African country under the COVAX facility.
The arrival of the vaccine in Mogadishu on March 15 marked a new milestone in the country's efforts against COVID-19 which hit Somalia in March 2020.
Fawziya Abikar Nur, Minister of Health and Human Service said the government had put in place robust measures to facilitate the roll-out of the vaccine adding its arrival was a milestone in the war against the pandemic.
"We have strong systems in place to carry out immunization campaigns and enable the safe delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines to frontline workers," said Nur.
"The first rollout of the vaccine will be a landmark step in Somalia's fight against COVID-19," she said during the launch of the vaccination exercise on March 16.
The novelty of the vaccine, just like the COVID-19 itself however drew mixed reactions from Somalis.
Some exuded confidence in the vaccine noting it will alleviate the suffering which visited the country in the last year.
But some had their reservations especially following reports of side effects from the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Even though the European Union and the WHO have given the vaccine a clean bill of health, doubts remain with several European countries suspending its usage while others restricted its use within a section of the population.
Ahmed Abshir, a clinical officer at a medical facility in downtown Mogadishu told Xinhua on Sunday he was confident the vaccine was safe and should be taken by Somalis without much debate.
"This vaccine has been subjected to rigorous international standards and its efficacy established. Millions of people across Europe have received the AstraZeneca jab and they are fine," said Abshir.
For Hamdi Hussein, a fruit seller in Mogadishu's Hamarweyne district, Somalis have no choice but to take the vaccine since it is the best available.
"Even if you say you don't want this vaccine, which other option do you have? Somalia does not manufacture this vaccine and neither do our neighbors so I think we just have to take it and have faith in its efficacy," said Hussein.
President Mohamed Farmajo who was among the first national leaders to receive the vaccine on March 16 expressed confidence in getting vaccinated and urged Somalis to embrace it.
"I expressed faith in the vaccination efforts by endorsing it myself earlier today as we continue distributing it to ensure the protection of our citizens, especially frontline workers. Let us flatten the curve by adhering to the safety measures to stop COVID-19 in Somalia," Farmajo said.
Abshir Ahmed, Senate Deputy Speaker said the fight against COVID-19 is a collective action which calls for fidelity to health measures and trust in the scientific approach through vaccination. "I urge all Somalis to take the jab when the opportunity avails and continue observing all health guidelines to tame this disease," said Ahmed. Enditem