By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
As the world celebrates the 2025 World Immunization Week, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stressed the need for Nigeria to commence production of vaccines and improve the funding of Immunization Programmes.
UNICEF also described embracing vaccines as effective and most impactful investments of any responsive and responsible government at any level aimed at saving the lives of its people.
These were the submissions of Various Speakers at a media dialogue organized by the UNICEF Field Office in Enugu in collaboration with Broadcasting Service of Abia State (BCA) for Media Professionals in Kogi, Benue, Abia Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States.
A Health Specialist with UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye in a presentation, said though immunization has saved over 154 million lives, the Agency is looking forward to the time Nigeria will begin to produce vaccines.
Dr. Akinleye said the importance of the global importance of immunization cannot be underestimated, an effort he explained should be sustained, pointing out that measles vaccines have saved 60% of lives
According to the Health Specialist, “In the same period, vaccination has reduced infant deaths by 40%. Today, more children live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history.”
He stated that vaccines now protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases, including; meningitis, Ebola, Cholera, malaria, HPV, RSV, and mpox.
Speaking, a Health Specialist in UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo expressed dismay over the situation where Primary Health Care Centres will be built, commissioned and remain under lock and key, stressing the need for government to recruit qualified personnel to improve vaccine management.
Also, the Chief of Field Office at UNICEF’s Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe stressed the need for energy to be focused on financial support to enhance immunisation programmes and improve on the advancements made in reducing child mortality over the last half-century.
Mrs. Chiluwe, stated that “As we approach the World Immunization Week in 2025, it is crucial to emphasize the ongoing importance of this global observance. This year’s theme underscores the necessity of providing protection against vaccine-preventable diseases for all individuals, from newborns to the elderly, through inclusive and equitable immunization services.
“Today marks the launch of WIW celebrations worldwide, and UNICEF is working alongside healthcare providers and governments to advocate for the principles of immunization services, ensuring access reaches every individual.
On his part, the Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA), Mr. Francis Nwubani noted that this year’s theme is intended to advance the “Humanly Possible” campaign, focusing on the crucial need for increased vaccination rates, particularly among children.
“As 2025 marks the halfway point in the Immunization Agenda 2030, World Immunization Week will explore not only the immediate benefits of immunization for improving lives today but also the potential long-term impacts as more children receive essential vaccines and as new vaccines are developed to address a wider array of diseases and age groups.”
