PM ‘extremely’ sad with health workers

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed ‘extreme’ disappointment at health workers who are reportedly promoting misinformation on covid-19 vaccines.

Mr Sogavare in his national address on Monday this week said a small group of health workers are spreading information which question the safety and efficacy of the two covid-19 vaccines government is using in its vaccination rollout.

“I am extremely disappointed that a small group of our health workers are promoting misinformation about the safety and efficacy of covid-19 vaccines.

“It is extremely sad that this group has decided not to look at the evidence of the impact of covid-19 vaccines on breaking the cycle of the global pandemic and have instead spread misinformation to the public,” he said.

Sogavare said in all the countries that have managed to slow down and to reverse the trend of covid-19 infections, almost all of them are due to covid-19 vaccines.

“Let me be clear on this point. The two vaccines that we are using in Solomon Islands, the AstraZeneca and the Sinopharm vaccines have been approved by the WHO for emergency use. They have also been approved by our own approving authority in the country.

“While I respect individual points of view, I will not allow deliberate misinformation to scare people that wish to protect themselves from covid-19.

“If such deliberate misinformation continues, those involved will be held accountable in accordance with provisions of the relevant Regulations,” he said.

While being extremely disappointed and sad with the health workers, Sogavare was expressively grateful to citizens who have come forward to be vaccinated.

“I urge you all, please get vaccinated so that in the event the virus reaches our borders and our quarantine stations you will be protected against it,” he said.

Discover more from Theislandsun

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading