The Federal Government has received four million and eighty doses of Moderna vaccines doses donated by the United State of America.
The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Faisal Shuaib,revealed this at a news conference at the National Strategic Cold Store, in Abuja.
He said the vaccines would assist in stepping up efforts to battle a third wave of COVID-19 infections.
The donation was part of President Joe Biden’s promise to give 500 million vaccines to the world by the end of 2022.”
He noted that Nigeria has storage facilities that could store COVID-19 vaccines, including the Moderna vaccine.
Shuiab further disclosed that, the Nigeria Government had earlier acquired an additional 60 ultra cold freezers that would accommodate both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He further said the store has a combined capacity of 2100 litres and operates at a temperature of -85°C.
Meanwhile, the US government representative, Dr. Melissa Freeman said that the vaccine doses from the United States were part of a donation that was set to boost the country’s vaccination rollout campaign.
The world health organization (WHO), representative, Dr Anne Baptiste, medical officer, WHO, said that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine was effective against several variants of concern, including the delta variant.
Also speaking, Mr Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative said the donation would contribute to the country’s expanded vaccination programme, which was fast gaining momentum to reach more people.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) is expected to carry out v efficacy test on the vaccine.
The delivery was the second batch of vaccines to arrive Nigeria after four million doses were delivered in March under the COVAX vaccine sharing Facility.
