Recently, there has been a noticeable disregard for preventive measures in the Central African Republic due to circulating rumors suggesting that COVID-19 is over.
These claims have led some Central Africans to refuse vaccination against COVID-19, as observed in certain areas of Bangui and its surroundings during vaccination campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health and Population.
Our editorial team deemed it necessary to verify this information to clarify for Central Africans that the virus is still circulating.
Verification:
Dr. Louis Médard Ouarandji from the Ministry of Health and Population refutes these rumors and urges the public to continue taking precautions: “It is false. COVID-19 is still present in the Central African Republic and continues to affect people worldwide. As long as this pandemic persists, I urge Central Africans to keep following the preventive measures provided by health authorities to protect themselves from the virus,” he stated.
In the same vein, Dr. Pulchérie Aboriot, a midwife at the Mother and Child Center, explains that neglecting preventive measures increases the risk of infection: “Anyone who does not protect themselves is at risk of various diseases, including the flu and especially COVID-19 during this period, as new, dangerous variants of the Coronavirus emerge.”
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the Central African Republic. Therefore, preventive measures remain the recommended steps by health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens. Follow the preventive measures and get vaccinated.
By Marie-Paule Vopiadé / AFC
This article is part of the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content is the responsibility of AFC.
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