The Federal Government has emphasised the transformative impact of vaccines, celebrating their role as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that have saved millions of lives globally.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted this on Tuesday in Abuja.
Pate spoke during the quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC), organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
He noted the critical role of vaccines in combating diseases, despite challenges posed by misinformation and the influence of social media.
He said that while vaccines were universally acknowledged for their safety and efficacy by regulators, misinformation had hindered vaccine uptake in many countries, including Nigeria.
He underscored the vital role that traditional and religious leaders play in dispelling myths and ensuring community support for vaccination programmes.
Reflecting on the successes of the NTLC, Pate commended their efforts in combating polio and increasing vaccine coverage, significantly contributing to protecting Nigerian children from diseases like cervical cancer.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to local vaccine manufacturing through the Presidential Initiative, to unlock the healthcare value chain.
The minister called for advancements in research, regulatory frameworks, and local production of essential medical supplies, including vaccines and pharmaceuticals, to meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
He also outlined plans for synchronised immunisation campaigns with neighboring countries like Niger and Chad, to ensure successful vaccination drives and prevent the cross-border spread of diseases.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and various local organisations.
He emphasised the need for continued collaboration and vigilance to maintain and enhance immunisation coverage in Nigeria.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, called for strong commitment and recognition of the significance of immunisation.
Mulombo stressed the importance of collaboration in these efforts.
Ms Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, recognised that significant work remained to improve health outcomes and reach more children with routine immunisations in the country.
Munduate highlighted the crucial role of foundation members and local leaders who were close to communities, stating that their voices and messages were vital in the drive for progress and change.
She highlighted UNICEF’s collaboration with WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Ministry of Health, indicating a coordinated effort to address health issues and enhance iimmunisation programmes
She also called for a strong global commitment to strengthening primary health care systems with a goal of equipping at least one primary health care facility in each area.
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, stressed the importance of reliable donor partners in supporting Nigeria’s primary health care system.
Aina particularlysuggested support in routineimmunisationn, maternal and child health, and family planning.
He highlighted the critical role of the NTLC in advancing public health initiatives, including routine immunisation and ongoing efforts to reach chronically missed children.
He underscored the vital contributions of traditional leaders in these public health efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and the need for their continued engagement in upcoming vaccination campaigns.
He also addressed the potential impact of recent local government autonomy on the healthcare system, and underlined the ongoing collaboration between various government stakeholders to strengthen primary healthcare at the local level.
He called for continued collaboration and support from traditional leaders and partners to further advance healthcare initiatives and improve health outcomes in Nigeria.(NAN)
