By Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

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As part of efforts to tackle COVID-19 through effective vaccination of Astra-Zenica Vaccine, Osun State Government has commenced training workshop for stakeholders on the much touted vaccine introduction.
The 2-day training workshop which is in progress at the Center For Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo was jointly organised by State Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Board and State Partners in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency and World Health Organization.
The workshop which is primarily targeted at updating the knowledge and skill of health workers on the handling, storage, distribution, administration and waste management of the COVID -19 vaccine, had in attendance, the State Technical Facilitators(STFs), LGAs Directors of Primary Health Care(DPHC), Local Immunization Officers(LIO), Health Educators(HE), Cold Chain Officers Vaccine Accountability Officers among others.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony of the training workshop, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu said he was impressed by the turn out of the concerned stakeholders, especially for the observance of the laid down COVID-19 safety protocols during the workshop.
Isamotu explained that the Astra-Zenica vaccine which the State is expecting to receive had been tested to be safe and effective to reduce the fatality rate of COVID-19 in the state and beyond.
The Health Commissioner urged the people of the State not to entertain any fear, noting that the vaccine had been subjected to series of scientific tests through the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC).
He however advised participants at the workshop to be good ambassadors of the state by making use of the knowledge gained at the training to advance the health of Osun people.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary for Osun Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Oluwole Fabiyi said that with the training of relevant stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccine introduction, the State is set to receive the vaccine at any time.
Fabiyi assured that everybody in the State would be vaccinated, stressing that COVID-19 vaccination evidence has now become a prerequisite for entry into other countries of the world.