Misinformation blamed for low vaccination numbers
Misinformation circulating on social media platforms is to blame for people’s reluctance to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to stop the pandemic.
ESTER KAMATI
WINDHOEK
Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua says people are reluctant to get vaccinated against Covid-19 because of fake news and misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
She was speaking at the launch of the #kickcovid-19outofnamibia roadshow in Windhoek on Thursday.
“The potential of misinformation affecting vaccination coverage is real, especially where people have no alternative source of credible information, hence information according to our constitution is a human right.”
The health ministry, in partnership with the ministry of information and communication technology and other stakeholders, have rolled out a national roadshow to debunk the misinformation and provide credible information on vaccination.
“Credible Covid-19 vaccination information can save a household from loss of life, loss of income and preventable medical costs,” said McLeod-Katjirua.
She said the roadshow is a timely intervention for those who are not yet vaccinated.
“We are not going to get tired; neither are we going to be mute in telling our people that we must get vaccinated. If it is a shame upon ourself, let it be. But talking, we will talk.”
The governor said seeking professional knowledge is the best option, instead of consulting the wrong people who may be too scared to admit that they do not know about the virus or about vaccination.
Joint effort needed
Samora Machel constituency councillor Nestor Kalola said at the launch that battling the pandemic requires the efforts of all in reducing preventable deaths.
“It requires us to ensure that everyone is safe before we continue with our previous normal activities. We will not keep quiet until all is fine again,” he said, adding that sharing information will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
“It is only when one is well informed that he or she can make an informed decision.”
The roadshow, he said, is part of an effort to provide factual and correct information pertaining to Covid-19 vaccination in an attempt to increase the vaccine uptake in the region.
The regional health director, Tomas Ukola, at the event said that everybody has a personal responsibility to protect one another by getting vaccinated.
Targets
The governor said 862 people from the Khomas Region alone have succumbed to Covid-19.
“For Namibia, that number is too big,” she said, adding that more deaths can be averted by vaccination.
The roadshow, which kicked off on Thursday, will run until 10 December, providing information relevant to vaccinations, particularly in the Khomasdal, Tobias Hainyeko, Samora Machel and Moses Garoëb constituencies.
There will also be sharing of information at the three main roadblocks around Windhoek, according to the governor. Okahandja and Windhoek-Rehoboth roadblocks.
The region, which has 46 vaccination sites, is targeting to vaccinate 286 641 people with the first dose of their preferred vaccine by March 2022.
“Without most of us being vaccinated, Covid-19 will be with us for some time to come and I don’t wish, neither do I believe, that we want to see that happen,” concluded McLeod-Katjirua.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua says people are reluctant to get vaccinated against Covid-19 because of fake news and misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
She was speaking at the launch of the #kickcovid-19outofnamibia roadshow in Windhoek on Thursday.
“The potential of misinformation affecting vaccination coverage is real, especially where people have no alternative source of credible information, hence information according to our constitution is a human right.”
The health ministry, in partnership with the ministry of information and communication technology and other stakeholders, have rolled out a national roadshow to debunk the misinformation and provide credible information on vaccination.
“Credible Covid-19 vaccination information can save a household from loss of life, loss of income and preventable medical costs,” said McLeod-Katjirua.
She said the roadshow is a timely intervention for those who are not yet vaccinated.
“We are not going to get tired; neither are we going to be mute in telling our people that we must get vaccinated. If it is a shame upon ourself, let it be. But talking, we will talk.”
The governor said seeking professional knowledge is the best option, instead of consulting the wrong people who may be too scared to admit that they do not know about the virus or about vaccination.
Joint effort needed
Samora Machel constituency councillor Nestor Kalola said at the launch that battling the pandemic requires the efforts of all in reducing preventable deaths.
“It requires us to ensure that everyone is safe before we continue with our previous normal activities. We will not keep quiet until all is fine again,” he said, adding that sharing information will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
“It is only when one is well informed that he or she can make an informed decision.”
The roadshow, he said, is part of an effort to provide factual and correct information pertaining to Covid-19 vaccination in an attempt to increase the vaccine uptake in the region.
The regional health director, Tomas Ukola, at the event said that everybody has a personal responsibility to protect one another by getting vaccinated.
Targets
The governor said 862 people from the Khomas Region alone have succumbed to Covid-19.
“For Namibia, that number is too big,” she said, adding that more deaths can be averted by vaccination.
The roadshow, which kicked off on Thursday, will run until 10 December, providing information relevant to vaccinations, particularly in the Khomasdal, Tobias Hainyeko, Samora Machel and Moses Garoëb constituencies.
There will also be sharing of information at the three main roadblocks around Windhoek, according to the governor. Okahandja and Windhoek-Rehoboth roadblocks.
The region, which has 46 vaccination sites, is targeting to vaccinate 286 641 people with the first dose of their preferred vaccine by March 2022.
“Without most of us being vaccinated, Covid-19 will be with us for some time to come and I don’t wish, neither do I believe, that we want to see that happen,” concluded McLeod-Katjirua.
[email protected]
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