Bukola Afeni
Experts in the health sector has called on the incoming government to ensure that adequate funding is available for immunization at the federal, state, and local government levels.
The Advocacy, Campaign, and Policy Manager, Save The Children, Mr Ekene Ifedilichukwu made the disclosure at a dialogue session with immunization stakeholders organized by Save The Children to mark the African Vaccination Week in Abuja.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that cold -chain equipment is properly maintained, and provide solar power in all health facilities in Nigeria.
“We do not have good source of power in the country anymore, we can begin to source for alternative by utilizing solar to power fridge.It is very important to ensure that all the cold chain equipment have constant source of power as prescribed by the producers of the vaccine.The vaccines need to be kept in a proper conducive environment, so that they can maintain the quality of the vaccine.
The Advocacy, Campaign, and Policy Manager, advised all parents, caregivers,and guardians to present their children for immunization.
“When a child is not fully immunized, that child becomes a problem to other children in the society.We are sending messages to the members of the public and health workers to ensure that all children are properly immunized. The capacities of health care workers must be built so as to perform their duties effectively.
” We are also working at the community level to mobilize community structures and get their pass so that they are able to work within the communities and support families.We are also advocating for the government to improve funding for immunization and other primary health care centers intervention”, he said.
The Director General of West African Institute of Public Health, Dr Francis Ohanyido, noted that political will from the political leaders in terms of immunization will improve health indices in the country.
“ The involvement of the incoming leaders will go a long way in shaping the narrative in terms of vaccination.We need to inform the new leaders that immunization financing can be done from the local government area. They need to be informed of the importance of vaccination and how it can impact on the economy”, he said.
He added that collaboration and partnership from everyone in the health sector will encourage more Nigerians to vaccinate their wards and children.
“Globally, we save money when we immunize children, and they are properly protected from every form of ailments and sickness.
“We need commitment and support from different groups in the society. The media practitioners have a great role to play by sensitizing the public. Different women and men groups must also be properly informed about the importance of vaccination”, he said.
The Head of Program, Vaccine Network For Disease Control, Mrs Chika Nwankwo, disclosed that community engagement is critical in reducing the burden of zero – dose children.
“ Our organization utilizes the family approach system to promote routine immunization among family members and community leaders. We liaise with community leaders and every member of the society to spread information about the importance of vaccination. Community governance structure is critical in boosting the vaccination process.
She further urged stakeholders in the health sector to eradicate misinformation about vaccines among the populace.
“ Most of the citizens find it hard to use vaccines produced in the country. Our vaccines have 95% efficiency,but our people find it hard to believe in the system. The fear of our people about vaccine hesitancy needs to be reduced drastically “, she said.
The African Vaccination Week is an annual event celebrated during the last week of April in synchronization with the World Immunization Week . The goal of the African Vaccination Week is to strengthen immunization programs and to increase awareness of the importance of every person’s right to be protected from vaccine preventable diseases.
