Nigeria needs to strengthen immunisation for 24,000 babies born daily: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has advised Nigeria to increase routine immunisation so that more than 24,000 infants are vaccinated each day.

Walter Kazadi Mulombo was the WHO Country Representative for Nigeria and made the call during an event in Abuja to commemorate 2022 African Vaccination Week.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) organized it.

To commemorate this year’s AVW, Nigeria adopted the theme “Long Life for All – Vaccinate for Healthy Living”.

Mr Mulombo said he was aware of the Nigeria Strategy for Routine Immunisation and Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS) 2.0.The WHO representative assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to the agenda of PHC revitalisation, immunisation systems strengthening and interruption of the cVPDV2 outbreak in the country.

“I am very confident with the strategies adopted, and we will continue to sustain eradication of WPV in Nigeria,” he added.

UNICEF Nigeria Chief Health Officer Eduardo Blanco stated that the dedication, hard work and perseverance of frontline health workers such as nurses, doctors, midwives, and volunteers who provide immunization and health services to Nigerians was amazing.

“I have seen the hard work, efforts, commitment and perseverance of health workers at all levels; I have witnessed community volunteers working tirelessly in their communities.

“I have seen health workers working 24/7 to provide services to women and children. And I have observed the leadership, commitment and sound technical knowledge of NPHCDA and Federal Ministry of Health staff at all levels,” Mr Blanco said.

Rep. USAID Nigeria Melissa Freeman stated that even though Nigeria is celebrating, it must remember to keep in mind that hand washing and vaccines remain the best public health measures for disease prevention.

(NAN)