GOVERNOR OPARANYA LAUNCHES COUNTY COVID-19 VACCINE CAMPAIGN

Governor H.E Dr Wycliffe Oparanya has rolled out phase one of Covid-19 vaccine in the County as the County gears up efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

Speaking during the launch at Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Governor said the vaccination campaign is a boost to his Government’s efforts to control the spread of the virus and keep residents safe.

Later the governor, his deputy H.E Prof Philip Kutima took the jab.

“The vaccine will protect individuals from getting severe Covid-19 disease and boost individual’s immunity to fight the virus,” said Dr Oparanya.

The Governor appealed to development partners to support the County to train health workers who will administer the vaccine.

“In the first phase we are targeting to vaccinate the health workers, critical services providers and uniformed forces,” he said.

He explained that the dose delivered to the county will vaccinate 12,000 individuals against the target of 27,638 people.

The governor noted that more people will be vaccinated in the second phase of the exercise adding that wananchi should disregard misinformation being spread about the vaccine.

Governor Oparanya assured the public that his Government is well prepared to fight the novel virus.

He said the County Government has established a 16 bed capacity Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward for Covid-19 critical cases.

“16 ICU beds have already been assembled ready for use. We are in the process of assembling 10 more ICU beds to have a total of 26 ICU beds dedicated for Covid-19 cases,” he said.

The Governor noted that the existing 6 bed capacity ICU ward will continue to serve the general medical care for other patients.

“I appreciate health workers who have been at the forefront in the fight against Covid-19. Your efforts have made it possible for the County to contain the spread of the virus,” he said.

Deputy Governor H.E Prof Philip Kutima cautioned people saying that they should be extra careful to help contain the third wave of the virus.

“This third wave has different variants and we need to be more careful so that we can contain its spread,” said Prof Kutima.

Dr Collins Matemba CECM for Health Services affirmed that the County is well prepared to fight the third wave of the virus that has affected people across the world.

CECMs, Chief Officers, heads of departments, KCGH staff, health workers, MMUST acting Vice Chancellor Prof Solomon Shibairo, representatives from the National Government among other senior officers attended the event.