The Executive Secretary Mr James Lalu NCPWD, and Executive Director (Center for Citizens With Disabilities,(CCD) Mr David Ayaele, brought together Stakeholders from NCDC, NPHCD, and organisations of persons with disabilities to share their concerns over the myths surrounding covid 19 vaccination and the way forward.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary,
National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Dooshima Pius-Ikerave on Wednesday.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary, ES of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD, Mr James David Lalu, thanked the Hon Chair, House Committee on Disabilities and Special Needs. Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General NCDC, Represented by Dr Chikwe Ochu, Mr Idris Bello, Director Special Duties NPHCDA and disability communities present.
He appreciated his brother and friend Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director CCD, for the great initiative which necessitated his visit to NCDC and was so impressed with the outcome of the Meeting with the DG of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who promised his unrelenting support, and true to his words he has proven his commitment to ensuring that PWDs are carried along in all their projects. This action was confirmed by the representative of the DG, Dr Chikwe Ochu, who said NCDC, has a Disability Desk officer and encouraged other Agencies to do same. She said it will make reaching out and including PWDs easier.
The Executive Secretary said there are alot of misconception and myths associated with Covid-19 VACCINE and therefore will appreciate if the representative of NCDC and NPHCDA will use this opportunity to clear the air and also make the Vaccine available for PWDs down to the grassroots.
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The Chair House Committee on Disability Princess Miriam Onuoha, appreciated the Organizers, she said though the notice of the Meeting came to her late, she had to be in attendance, this goes a long way to speak on how passionate Hon Chair Senate committee on Disabilities is with disability issues, she thanked the representative of NCDC and NPHCDA, encouraging them to take matters that affects PWDs with utmost seriousness. She appreciated the Stakeholders for a Job well done .
The representative of different clusters of Disabilities, shared their fears and concerns and reasons why they do not intend to take the Vaccine.
Dr Chikwe Ochu, Director NCDC, issued a disclaimer, saying” The misconception surrounding the Covid-19 vaccination are all false . She went further to disabuse the minds of all those who expressed fears against the Vaccine and answered all question asked at the forum , Dr Chikwe Ochu therefore encouraged everyone to take the Vaccine assuring PWDs and the general public of its potency.
Mr Idris Bello Director Special Services NPHCDA, talked on the possible side effects or individual reactions which is expected, he said usually vaccines are gotten from droplets of the virus and so its expected that Anti bodies will react differently. Some will go down well but some will have counter reactions which is expected but not a death sentence or an issue that paracetamol can’t take care of. Mr Idris asked the permission of the Organizers if he can put a call across to his team to use this opportunity to Vaccinate those present and make further arrangements to reach out to other PWDs even down to the grassroots.
The Executive Secretary NCPWD, Mr James Lalu affirmed to this and was the first to take his dose, followed by everyone present, in his words he said. “I have taken the first Jab of the Vaccine and I am fine. I urge you all my fellow brothers and sisters in the Disability Community to please go out in mass and take yours as modalities are being put in place to ensure that the vaccination gets to you wherever you are. thank you, I am fine”