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Tag: immunization

  • Immunization: Nigeria targets 109 million children in landmark exercise

    Immunization: Nigeria targets 109 million children in landmark exercise

    Nigeria is preparing for a landmark integrated health campaign to vaccinate 109 million children aged 0 to 14 against measles, rubella, and polio, alongside nutrition interventions, it emerged on Wednesday.

    In what he described as ‘the mother of all campaigns, the Executive Director (ED) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, disclosed that the exercise is expected to commence in October and will extend nationwide, while urging Nigerians to embrace vaccination as a key pillar of primary health care.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the handover of 1,653 solar-powered refrigerators donated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Government, the ED described the campaign as a turning point for Nigeria’s immunisation drive.

    “The timing of the receipt of these devices cannot be more perfect in view of the reforms that we’re doing in our routine immunisation program, but also the campaign programs.

    “In fact, we are gearing up for the mother of all campaigns, which is an integrated campaign of measles rubella, kicking off in October, integrated with polio, nutrition entities and a few other interventions in different communities.

    “We want to reach 109 million young Nigerians between 0 to 14 years with different vaccines as part of this campaign.

    “I encourage Nigerians to work with us to be on the lookout, as we look forward to participation and uptake from our communities.”

    Noting the significance of newly donated refrigerators, Aina said they are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s vaccine supply chain, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

    The donation includes 1,653 Solar Direct Drive (SDD) cold chain refrigerators, 165 sets of spare parts, and both remote and 30-Day Temperature Recorders, all valued at $11 million.

    “Today marks another manifestation of the health pillar of President Tinubu’s agenda to deliver high-quality primary healthcare services for all Nigerians,” Aina said.

    He added that the refrigerators, procured from B Medical and Plus brands through a rigorous process, will be distributed based on disease burden and existing gaps.

    “Specifically, 448 units will be going to States in the North-West zone, the North-Central zone will receive 308 units, and the North-East zone will receive 128.

    “The South-East zone will receive 205 units, the South-West zone will receive 343 units, and the South-South zone will receive 221 units of the SDD refrigerators.

    “In all, 884 units or 53 per cent, just over half of these devices will go to States in northern Nigeria, while 769 or 47 per cent will go to States in southern Nigeria.

    “We have also procured spare parts and 10 years of maintenance agreements, including plant preventive maintenance by the vendor.

    “Every single unit comes with temperature monitoring devices to ensure the vaccines are stored at the right temperature,” the ED explained.

    Aina expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, as well as the Coordinating Minister and Minister of State of Health, Nigeria’s development partners, including Gavi, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF.

    “This donation is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration. We look forward to continued partnership and support from our colleagues, partners, and the Nigerian public,” he said.

    Represented by Deputy Country Representative Dr. Alexander Chimbaru, WHO Country Representative Dr. Alex Gasasira reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Nigeria’s primary health care system, describing the equipment handover to NPHCDA as a pivotal step in strengthening the nation’s immunisation infrastructure.

    “These solar-powered refrigerators will play a vital role in maintaining vaccine quality and safety, especially in remote and energy-challenged communities,” he noted.

    Gasasira stressed that the initiative aligns with WHO’s global Immunisation Agenda 2030, which emphasises equitable vaccine access, sustainable cold chain systems, and health system integration.

    “By leveraging solar technology, we are ensuring not only the potency of vaccines but also advancing environmental sustainability and strengthening health systems’ resilience,” he said.

    UNICEF echoed similar sentiments, with its Chief of Health, Dr. Maharajan Muthu, calling the investment a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reduce the number of zero-dose children by half by 2028.

    Read Also: Nigeria pitches investment opportunities to Brazilian investors

    “Cold chain infrastructure is the backbone of an effective immunisation program, ensuring that vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies retain their potency from storage to administration,” he said.

    Muthu outlined UNICEF’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s vaccine delivery system, from identifying cold chain needs to procuring and delivering modern equipment.

    “This investment will significantly enhance Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, enabling outreach to remote communities and ensuring that safe and effective vaccines reach every child, leaving no one behind,” he said.

    While celebrating the milestone, Muthu highlighted ongoing challenges, including equipment tracking, regular maintenance, stock management, and sustainable funding.

    “UNICEF remains committed to working alongside the federal government of Nigeria to overcome these challenges. We will continue to strengthen the immunisation supply chain, support community engagement, and advocate for sustainable financing to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines,” he added.

  • Non-release of N44b threatens Nigeria’s routine immunization exercise, Vaccine Network cries out

    Non-release of N44b threatens Nigeria’s routine immunization exercise, Vaccine Network cries out

    The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has warned of a potential vaccine shortage in the second quarter of 2024, saying the looming crisis stemmed from the Federal Ministry of Finance’s failure to release a significant portion of Nigeria’s allocated N44 billion co-financing funds for vaccine contributions in 2023.

    It stated that the situation poses a grave risk of leaving numerous children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

    Chika Offor, the founder of VNDC, who described the situation as a looming threat casting a dark cloud over a vital public health initiative, revealed that the entire 2024 co-financing allocation of N137b is also in jeopardy of non-release, exacerbating the situation.

    Offor emphasised that apart from the health implications for the future of Nigerian children, the country’s international image and credibility are also at risk, given Nigeria’s commitment to the funding arrangement with its development partners.

    She explained that Nigeria, to address its high number of unvaccinated children, entered into a 10-year co-financing agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, an agreement that aims to empower Nigeria to shift gradually from reliance on Gavi’s donations to self-sufficiency in vaccine procurement.

    According to her, Nigeria cannot afford to regress or undermine the progress made in immunization being a fundamental aspect of preventive healthcare, protecting against numerous potentially life-threatening diseases.

    Through its globally recognized routine immunization program, Nigeria has successfully eradicated the poliovirus, while it recently integrated the HPV vaccine into its immunization efforts, in addition to becoming the first country to receive the latest MenFive vaccine to combat meningitis.

    “Unfortunately, this promising trajectory has encountered a significant roadblock. Nigeria, despite budgeting for vaccines, has struggled to translate those allocations into readily available funds.

    “The release of budgeted resources has been sluggish and inconsistent, leaving a concerning gap. As of now, a substantial portion of the 2023 co-financing (N44 billion) remains unpaid. 

    “Adding to the urgency, the entirety of the 2024 co-financing allocation (N137 billion) also hangs in the balance.

    “These challenges birth a grave concern over Nigeria’s ability to continue funding for vital vaccines, potentially jeopardizing the continued protection of Nigerian children.

    “The consequences of a vaccine shortage could be dire. Without access to these critical immunizations, countless children could become susceptible to a range of preventable diseases, potentially leading to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.

    “The specter of outbreaks and a reversal of hard-won progress in public health looms large”, Offor said.

    She however proffered a two-pronged strategy to tackle the funding challenges, aiming to alleviate the Federal government’s sole responsibility for financing the program and ensure the continuous availability of vaccines and safeguard the health of future generations.

    She said: “Firstly, a vital step involves a paradigm shift in the way vaccine procurement is financed. Currently, the financial burden rests solely on the shoulders of the federal government.

    “This creates a single point of potential failure. A more collaborative approach is needed. Encouraging sub-national governments to develop and implement domestic resource mobilization strategies would create a more robust funding ecosystem.

    “Imagine each state contributing financially, sharing the responsibility, and forging a united front in protecting our children’s health.

    “Secondly, prioritizing the importance of vaccinations through budgetary allocation is crucial. Wouldn’t it be reassuring if funding for immunizations received the same level of urgency as critical emergencies?

    “By designating the immunization budget as “first-line charge,” it would be prioritized and released promptly, ensuring a steady flow of resources to procure the necessary vaccines.

    “The health of Nigerian children is a national imperative. By fostering collaboration between federal and state governments, streamlining the budgetary process, and prioritizing vaccinations, we can ensure that every child receives the vital shield of protection they deserve.

    “Let us work together to dispel this looming shadow and secure a brighter, healthier future for all Nigerian children.”

  • No girl child should be left out of Immunisation, CSO warns

    No girl child should be left out of Immunisation, CSO warns

    ….As ten countries kick off 33 days immunisation programme

     

    As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, a Civil Society Organization, Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR), has challenged the Federal Government on the need for the girl child to have access important vaccines.

    In a statement issued Tuesday, CHR urged the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole to ensure that girls in hard to reach areas are not left behind in all the immunization programmes in the country.

    The exclusion of the girl child in immunisation programmes has been blamed for the 70% of incidences of Cervical Cancer, which claims the lives of an estimated 266,000 women and girls a year.

    According to the Multi Indicator Coverage Survey/National Immunisation Coverage Survey (MICS/NICS) report 2016 conducted in Nigeria, only 23% of children (aged 12 – 23 months) are fully vaccinated with another 37% partially vaccinated. Some of the states in Northern Nigeria were reporting below 20% immunization coverage.

    Chairman, CHR Board of Trustees, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, urged the government to ensure that no girl is left behind in accessing important such as the Tetanus, Rubella and the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine, which offers protection against Cervical Cancer.

    The statement reads in part: ”As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, CHR is joining other organizations in over ten countries in Africa in launching the 33 Days to Power Up Immunization Campaign. The campaign seeks to hold governments accountable for the multiple promises they have made to support Immunization. In 2016, the continent marked significant achievements of interrupting the near elimination of Meningococcal Meningitis A epidemic and the significant reduction in disease burden and child mortality due to Measles.

    “We recognize the efforts that have gone into reaching the current levels by the Nigerian government, however, much more need to be done if we are to reach the 2020 goals that our government has set in the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) of reaching 90% immunization coverage nationally and 80% in every state by 2020.

    “We call on the Nigerian government to prioritise increase in the national and states budget to finance immunization and ensure timely and efficient releases of immunization funds.

    In January 2017, African Heads of States endorsed the Addis Declaration on Immunisation, (ADI) through which they acknowledged that despite their endorsement of the Global Vaccine Action Plan, they are largely off track. The ADI reinforces their commitment at the highest level of political engagement.

  • Yobe re-opens primary schools

    Yobe re-opens primary schools

    …As state govt fights false rumour of immunization in Damaturu

     

    Normalcy has returned to public primary schools in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital as the state government battles with the false rumour of allege immunization of children by some unknown persons.

    Our correspondent gathered that most public primary schools in the state were closed with rumors that some unknown persons have infiltrated some primary schools within the metropolis administering immunization to unsuspecting children.

    According to some version of the report, what is more worrisome is that the, the vaccinators were administering the vaccines  either on the neck of the child or close to the umbilical cord of the children with huge monetary reward. The rumour which spread like fire compelled parents to rush to the schools to pick up their children for fear of the unknown danger resulting from the immunization.

    As a part of measures to curtail the rumours and bring confidence to the parents, the State Commissioner for Yobe State for Health Dr. Bello Kawuwa described the labour as unfunded and blatant lies coming from mischief makers.

    Dr. Bello explained that no donor agency in the state except the state government is responsible for all immunization activities, adding that for any intervention, the support is only channeled through the state ministry of Health.

    He stated that a team from the state ministry of Health, the chairman of Damaturu local government, the police, civil defense corp., NGOs in the state convened an emergency meeting which it was discovered that the rumors are lies.

    He called on the general public not to panic but to rely on credible channels of getting information rather than unnecessary just as he called on them to disregard the rumors.

    Dr. Bello, a medical doctor said he was surprised that over his years of experience and study as a medical doctor  that he hasn’t found any medical history relating to the immunization on the neck and in the lower abdomen of a child.

     

  • Using markets for immunization awareness

    I was deeply heartbroken when I visited a fellow market woman to console her after she lost her child to pneumonia early this year. The atmosphere was charged with so much grief and sorrow. I remember the pain that cut her so deeply, her cries and tears which never seemed to stop. She really loved her daughter, and now she was gone. It was truly an unbearable experience. My pain comes from the fact that it is a disease that could have been prevented through immunization. I am also shocked by the knowledge that every year in Nigeria, many thousands of children die from pneumonia, meningitis, diarrhoea and other diseases that can be prevented through immunization.

    Markets are places where a lot of our Nigerian women ply their trade. In addition, women carry the bulk of responsibility in caring for our children. The woman who lost her child is one of the many thousands of women in this situation. Imagine a scenario where as a market seller, she has to suspend her commercial activities in order to tend a sick child. She may make little to nothing on the days she has to visit a clinic. Having no money to cater for her family also brings additional problems. And after all the effort, you lose your child to a disease that can be prevented by immunization?

    No, it is very painful indeed.

    Nigerians, especially our children, need not die from these diseases because the vaccines to prevent them are available. What we must do is ensure that the government takes this case seriously to purchase and provide these vaccines for every primary healthcare centre in the country. I commend the Federal Ministry of Health for the leadership they demonstrated to quickly provide Meningitis C vaccines during the meningitis outbreak. This should also extend to all vaccines covered within the routine immunization programme. The vaccines under the government’s routine immunization programme takes care of diseases that can kill or maim children early in their life: diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, polio, tetanus, meningitis, whooping cough, measles and yellow fever. It is commendable that the government wants to expand the programme by introducing two new vaccines within the next three years. These new vaccines will protect children against diarrhoea, and young girls and women against cervical cancer.

    Considering the population of this country, this shows the enormous responsibility that this part of the health sector carries in ensuring the safety of many Nigerian children. There are more than seven million children born every year in Nigeria. This also shows how wide the routine immunization programme in the country functions in reaching many poor and remote areas to keep our children healthy and productive. However, with the impending addition of new vaccines to the traditional ones in the routine immunization programme, the overall cost for funding them has increased. These new vaccines are also relatively more expensive than all the traditional ones combined.

    Currently, the government pays for all traditional vaccines. For the new vaccines, government co-pays with international donors such as Gavi. However, government disburses only about 20% of the total cost for these vaccines. The rest are paid by donors. We must ensure that government increases funding for the routine immunization programme because we have to take initiative in saving the lives of our children. We are not talking about American or British children, we are talking about Nigerian children. Why must we rely on foreign money to keep our own children healthy? We need to start taking real ownership of our problems and begin to take steps to plan ahead for the health needs of our country.

    Ensuring that there is enough funding for the routine immunization programme puts us on the right track on the road to preventing diseases or outbreaks if they arise. The funds should also be released on time to buy these vaccines and ensure that they are distributed safely to avoid stock outs. They must be distributed from the central storehouse down to the local primary healthcare centre, especially those in rural communities, where they are utilized.

    As we make efforts to get vaccines to where they are needed, we must also focus on getting more Nigerians to use our immunization services. Many people need to be aware about the importance of getting their children immunized.

    This is why I want our market places, where all manner of people visit for their daily activities, to be an avenue for immunization awareness and service. Whether you are in Balogun Market in Lagos, or Old Market in Sokoto or Ariaria in Aba, you should be able to see messages on the importance and benefits of immunization and realize how important it is to save lives. People should understand why government needs to spend more money to maintain the immunization programme. Visiting the market should also give you the opportunity to see and hear messages calling you to immunize your children.

    When this is done, over time, more children will receive their immunization because more people are better informed about the benefits and know where to access them. I am a vaccine champion under the Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA). So I stand for the right for all Nigerians to be fully immunized and lead a healthy life. If government working with traditional rulers in northern Nigeria can bring about a better control of polio, then it is possible that working with market women and men in all states in Nigeria can bring about a better control for every vaccine-preventable disease.

    Let me remind us that those who have died during the meningitis outbreak that claimed many lives could have been anyone of us. When the majority of children in Nigeria are immunized, this will prevent outbreaks from these diseases. Nigerians need to understand that as government is making efforts to provide these vaccines, we as citizens must use these immunization services. Immunization is free at all public hospitals, so no child should be deprived of this essential service.

     

    • Chief (Mrs.) Tinubu-Ojo is Iyaloja-General of Nigeria; President-General, Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria.

     

  • European Union boosts immunization in Ogun

    European Union boosts immunization in Ogun

    Immunisation campaign in Ogun State has received a major boost as the State is the first to receive the first batch of consignment from the European Union Support Immunisation Governance in Nigeria project, otherwise known as EUSIGN. The union donated 45 solar refrigerators, solar generators and solar panels to the state Government for proper preservation of immunization vaccines in the State.

    While receiving the items on behalf of the State Government, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, revealed that the solar refrigerators and generators would keep immunization vaccines potent, safe and viable without having to depend on electricity.

    Ipaye stated that the catalyst for efficient health care service delivery is to have a well funded Primary Health Care system in place, adding that 40 Primary Health Care Centres across the State would bring health care service delivery closer to the people.

    He emphasised that each Local Government Area would benefit from the refrigerators and solar generator though priority would be given to health facilities with more patronage and productivity.

    The Commissioner disclosed that an integrated supervision team had been set up to preserve and secure the items, which are to be distributed to all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Also speaking, the EUSIGN State Technical Assistant, Saliu Nasir, stated that the gesture was  geared towards supporting the State Government in its bid to improve health care delivery to the people. He added that EUSIGN would hand over all projects to the State Government, promising that more of such developments would come to the State.

  • Akwa Ibom govt holds second round immunization

    Parents and care givers in Akwa Ibom State have been advised to bring out their children and wards from 0-59 months of age for immunization during the Second Round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs).

    The programme scheduled to last for four days started on March 19 and will end on March 22, 2016.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong gave the advice in his office while speaking on the forth coming Second Round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs).

    Dr. Ukpong also enjoined parents to allow visiting health workers moving from house to house to administer two drops of oral polio vaccine to children from 0-59 months of age irrespective of their immunization status. According to the commissioner, children will be immunized against polio myelitis, measles, hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus and yellow fever.

    The immunization exercise will be held in all health facilities and immunization centres.

    Immunization is free, safe and has no adverse effect on the child.

    Rather, repeated dozes boost the child’s immunity, the Commissioner stated.

    Consequently, parents are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunity and receive all the interventions available during this period.

     

  • Fashola flags off National Immunization plus days

    Fashola flags off National Immunization plus days

  • Islamic leaders blamed for opposition to immunization

    Islamic leaders blamed for opposition to immunization

    The Northern Civil Society Coalition has attributed the recent rise in cases of wide polio virus in some states in the north to the opposition to the immunization programme by Islamic leaders in the north.

    Leader of the Northern Civil Society Coalition, Mallam Shehu Sani said in Kaduna that the opposition was largely responsible for the increase in the case of wide polio infection promising that the group will join the campaign to fight the menace.

    Mallam Sani said that embarking on polio immunization was in the best health interest of North, pointing out that “the criticisms and attack against immunization programmes is unfounded, unwarranted, ill-informed and uncivilized.

    “Those Islamic clerics that are opposed to the immunization exercise against polio are not doing so out of scientific reasons or religious reasons. They engaged in campaign against the eradication of the disease for political motives”.

    While saying that the immunization programes was a positive step by government to   checkmate and exterminate harmful diseases that have paralysed and ravaged the lives of young people in the northern Nigeria, he said “we cannot continue to live in the past at a very time when the world is moving ahead”.

    “Almost all diseases that have been wiped out in other parts of the world like leprosy, polio and chickenpox are still prevalent in northern parts of Nigeria as a result of the silent campaign against immunization, of mis-education and mis-information by archaic clerics that are out of touch and out of tune with the realities and changes in the modern world.

    “The resistance of the clerics to immunization, and other programmes of vaccination have contributed a lot in crowding our streets in the northern states with destitute and physically challenged people. Our religious clerics are standing against science; they are also standing

    against logic and reasons with their misinformed gospel”.

    Speaking on the killing of health workers in Kano, Mallam Sani said it “is a direct product of fanatical preaching and teachings by these clerics”, while calling on the people “to resist this campaign of mis-information and to avail themselves to projects and programmes aimed at improving their health and their children”.

    The National Civil Society Coalition on Immunisable Disease Awareness (NCSCIDA) however said that killings of Polio workers in Kano by unknown gunmen, should not be allowed to stand as a barrier to the determination to eradicate the disease in the country.

    Coordinator of NCSCIDA, Dr. Mohammed Mustapha,who said that all hands must be on deck to eradicate the disease said that “the civil society coalition on public awareness on national immunization have totally condemned the attack against polio vaccination workers in kano”, noting that “the attack is an attempt to undermine and subvert the current national immunization efforts against polio in northern Nigeria”.

    Mustapha said in a statement made available to The Nation that “it is a set back against the effort to checkmate the spread of polio that has devastated the lives of millions of vulnerable children in northern Nigeria”, while adding that “Polio pandemic is a serious health hazard that has wrecked havoc and has destroyed the future of many children.

    “The national immunization process is an effort to address the problem. The people of the north and the whole of the country should embrace it the exercise by supporting this programme. The polio immunization staffs that were killed were heroes in the nation’s effort to wipe out the disease.

    “This organization supports the pursuance of this programme, and we call on all religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and well meaning Nigerians in the north to support this programme and only oppose any attempt at undermining it.

    “It is regrettable that the disease that has been wiped out in other parts of the world continues to thrive and flourish in northern parts of Nigeria. Those who are against the immunization programme are ill-informed, they are agents of retrogression. They are pushing our society back to the stone ages and are further sinking the north into an endless pit of stagnation.

    “The interruption about the polio immunization programme is unfortunate and should be discountenanced with. The immunization programme is in the interest of the north, in the interest of Nigeria and our collective health progress and development.

    “We are calling on all Nigerians, especially northerners to support this programme and protect all immunization staff against saboteurs and against agents of retrogression. And we also call on the Federal Government not to relent in its effort in combating polio in the north and Nigeria in general.

    “We also call on all polio workers to remain vigil and courageous and continue to do their work. And we call on all those who are opposed to this polio immunization to, in the name of progress and collective health of our society now allow this menace to be checked once and for all,” he said.

     

     

  • Edo begins free immunisation

    Edo begins free immunisation

    •Oshiomhole urges contractors to work at night

     

    The edo State Government has begun this year’s Immunisation programme.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole urged the people to take advantage of the free exercise.

    At the ceremony in Evbonogbon, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Oshiomhole said: “I am happy to see the number of women that have turned out in this rural community. It shows many realise that their children need this vaccine.

    “Every child must be immunised against polio and it is totally free. We must sustain this programme and take it to every village. Those of you here should tell those at home that the children must have this vaccine.

    “There are no side effects or danger for the child. It is a win- win situation. It is good for the child, good for the family and good for the society.”

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Cordelia Aiwize urged parents to present their children aged zero to 59 months for vaccination.

    She said the eight childhood killer diseases are preventable through immunisation.

    Dr. Aiwize assured parents that the vaccine is safe. The highlight of the ceremony was the administering of the vaccine on some children by the governor.

    On his way to the ceremony, Oshiomhole stopped on the Benin-Ore Road to direct traffic.

    He urged the Federal Government to expedite work on the road.

    The governor urged the contractors to work at night to ensure the free-flow of traffic during the day.

    He said: “When you are working on a federal highway, you must do it fast and preferably at night to avoid unnecessary traffic and accidents.”

    Oshiomhole was stuck-up in the traffic for over an hour.