By Abbas Aminu Bamalli
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad said Nigeria has achieved 66 percent reduction in un-immunised children from January to December 2003, compared to the same period in 2012.
Dr. Ado disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, while addressing Journalists on the progress of the agency, to mark the 2014 African Vaccination Week (AVW), with the theme “Vaccination, a shared responsibility”.
According to him, other progress of the agency include the improved coverage of routine immunisation from 52 per cent DPT3 in 2012 to 85 per cent in administrative coverage in 2012, saying the National cumulative coverage for other antigens remain above 80 per cent except TT2+, which was 56 per cent.
While disclosing that 31 States of the Federation achieved 85 per cent reduction in un-immunised children from January to December 2013, compared to same in 2012, Dr. Ado said no vaccine stock out in 2013.
He said the agency is presently working out modalities in bringing on board the military and para-military RI providers to reduce the number of reported un-immunised children.
The Executive Director said the major activities for observed improvement include continuous release of funds in 2013 to ensure there was abundance of antigens devices with no stock-out, coordinating and advocacy.
Dr. Ado said the commemoration of the 2014 AVW in Nigeria will synchronise with Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), planned to be implemented from April 30, to May 2014.
According to him, AVW initiative provides a unique opportunity for countries and partners to strengthen national immunisation programmes, by using the power of advocacy and partnerships to increase immunisation and reducing missed opportunities.
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