Cameroonians skeptical as COVID-19 vaccination gets underway

Pictures and videos of Cameroon’s minister of public health taking the COVID-19 Vaccine in Yaounde Monday, April 12th, 2021, have gone viral on social media.

Dr. Manaouda Malachie has taken his own shot of the vaccine, SINOPHARM a gift from the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the minister of public health called on Cameroonians to emulate his example.

“Cameroonians should take the vaccine. It’s the best solution to COVID-19. But continue to respect barrier measures,” said Malachie.

The call by the minister has generated diverse reactions from Cameroonians across the board.

Gerald Mouthe, an evangelist in Douala doubts the government’s objectivity in the entire process.

“I hope that the chemical composition of the vaccine he has taken will be the same as what will be given to an ordinary man on the street. We are tired of their evil plans against Cameroonians,” he said.

According to him, the government of President Paul Biya has not been honest to Cameroonians when they ask for basic necessities like water and electricity and therefore can’t be trusted.

Others question why the government failed to scientifically examine the vaccine from China before launching the immunization process. “Vaccine from China arrived late at night Sunday, April 11th and the following morning Dr. Manaouda has taken and he is asking Cameroonians to do same. Is that logical? How much trust do they have in what has been produced in China?” David Akongtang Jr. questions in total disappointment.

To Cameroonians, the government’s action to import the vaccine is a welcome initiative to save Cameroonians from the ravaging pandemic.

Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute while receiving the vaccine at the Yaounde Nsimalen Airport Sunday, April 11 stated that “the vaccine is the best solution to COVID-19. I will take it anytime and anywhere”.

As the minister of public health plans to continue with the launching of the immunization campaign in other parts of Cameroon, Cameroonians are calling on President Paul Biya, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the national assembly, the prime minister, and his cabinet as well as all persons ranking as such to take the lead and take the vaccine.

Mbatho Ntan.