Fight Against Covid-19 – Cameroon Orders 5.3 Million Doses of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

As part of the vaccination against Covid-19, the health authorities announce the order of 5.3 million doses of the American vaccine, Johnson & Johnson.  These new doses, which will be delivered in the coming days, will contribute to the intensification of the vaccination campaign initiated three months ago by the government with the Chinese Sinopharm and British Astrazeneca vaccines.

According to Dr. TambashoAfizu of the National ImmunisationProgramme, the vaccine which is being used in other countries is very effective and opened to every Cameroonian aged 18 and above. 

“Johnson and Johnson is one of the Vaccines that are being used already in several other countries. It is produced in the United States of America and it is very effective in the prevention of COVID-19. Those that are vaccinated are very protected, that is about 90%. It is administered in a single dose, unlike other vaccines. We have ordered about 5.3million doses of the vaccine, and it is meant for every Cameroonian aged 18 and above,” explained Dr. TambashoAfizu.

Government’s goal is to vaccinate 20% of the population before the African Cup of Nations, AFCON scheduled for January and February 2022.

However, this vaccination has not yet reached cruising speed.  This is why the Minister of Public Health, ManaoudaMalachie signed a press release on June 16 informing the populations that between July 07 to July 11, 2021, a national campaign to intensify vaccination against Covid-19 will be organized throughout the national territory.

Going by to the Minister of Public Health, vaccination will be offered in health facilities or by mobile teams in communities including door to door, places of public gatherings such as markets, places of worship, businesses and public services.

The government wants through this proximity strategy to vaccinate 20% of its population (5 million Cameroonians) before the AFCON scheduled from January 9 to February 6, 2022 in the country.

 It should be recalled that after three months of vaccination, most Cameroonians are still very reluctant to use the vaccine, despite awareness campaigns to reassure them of the efficacity and harmlessness of the vaccine.  As of June 16, of the 70,300 people who received the first dose, only 16,200 people have taken the second dose.  Official figures indicate that Cameroon had 80,090 confirmed cases as of June 16, including 77,305 remissions and 1,310 deaths.

Ingrid KENGNE