Culminating the sensitization programme on Covid-19 testing and vaccination at DPDB conference hall, Kohima on 23rd July 2021, the Kohima District Task Force along with apex organiszations and leaders of the wards of Kohima held the 6th day campaign of testing and vaccination which started on 16th July covering the Northern, Southern, Western, Tseminyu area and Kohima Municipal areas.
Minister in-charge of Kohima district for COVID-19, Tongpang Ozukum mentioned that in the first wave, together with the AKMWP and the 19 constituents ward leaders, the state government and the district administration was able to confine the virus and lauded them for their selfless sacrifices for being supportive and cooperative in the pandemic since the previous year, however in the midst of the second wave viewing the people response the impact of negativity resulting in non-cooperation to the government is becoming a concern.
The Minister stated that Nagaland state has been recorded as the highest in death rate in NE states and way behind in testing and vaccination and the way the virus is spreading, it will soon become the most dominant strain which will pose an inevitable third wave of Corona, therefore he called upon all the leaders to enlighten the people and share the positive message of vaccination and testing.
He stated that weekly cases continued to surge in several villages people and widespread testing is necessary, important, and achievable, Covid 19testing is the key to getting back to normal since it is recognized that almost all the infections are transmitted by people who are not showing any symptoms, identifying infected individuals while they are asymptomatic will play a major role in containing the virus therefore infected person are encouraged to disclosed themselves to end the foreseeable3rd wave of Covid.
Ozukum appealed to all the right thinking citizen to use their fundamental rights wisely and perform their duties and responsibility towards oneself and others and added that Kohima being equipped with the best Medical team and facilities, challenged the administration and various civil organizations to take advantage of it and put more efforts to contain the virus so that this sensitization campaigns will pose a positive picture in the minds of the public.
Advisor for Technical Education & Election, Medo Yhokhain his note of appreciation lauded the Minister in-charge as well as the apex organisations for the initiative and contributing in responding to the situation prevailing now by taking extra ordinary preventive measures.
Yhokha mentioned that the unlock phases has been initiated not because of the declination of the virus but by sheer necessity and as we enter in the 3rd wave the real challenge is expected.
People should be accountable therefore he appealed all the wards to implement the SOPs sternly and abide the laws penned down by the Government hence, expelling the authority to reendorse another harsh lockdown if the thread of covid virus rise up
In this trying times he requested the leaders to be an example and by sharing the positive message of testing and vaccination which can keep us safe against the virus and beyond.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie NCS, Covid-19 mentioned that ‘Covid is here and it’s here to live with us’ and for that reason we have to learn to co-exist. This pandemic has dramatically changed the lives of people and had an unprecedented impact on the healthcare, economic, and financial systems therefore the access to covid vaccines is critical to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that earlier during the pandemic, there was not enough capacity and limited supplies which resulted in delays. However, lab equipment has improved, capacity and supply of vaccines have expanded so it is easy for the public to access medical facilities.
He also highlighted on the importance of Covid appropriate behaviour, Testing and Vaccination and added masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene.
CMO Kohima, Dr.Vezokholu Theyo in a brief note on awareness Generation emphasised on the three objectives to break the chain of transmission the Covid appropriate behaviours, the testing and the vaccination. Disclosing your Covid status and calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility and protects and prevents the spread of viruses.
Dr, Theyo further appealed not to spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. Insufficient knowledge and contradictory information about the transmission of Covid makes people uncertainty and led them to believe biased and vague information. She also instructed to protect oneself and others by knowing the facts taking appropriate precautions and seeking medical attention.
Later in the day Minister, Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor Medo Yhokha, other Health officers had a briefing with the media.
(DPRO & Siizo, IA Kohima)
