ADVERTISEMENT

Expert says vaccines storage, potency remains challenge

Otuneye said one of the challenges of childhood immunisation on a global scale was the prohibitive cost childhood vaccines such as Mumps and Rotavirus.

Kano government to introduce 'reward and punishment' in health sector

Otuneye said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, adding that strict adherence to storage requirements in some areas is yet to be achieved.

“Administration of vaccines to children living in difficult terrains where transportation infrastructure is lacking is a practical obstacle against universal coverage.

“The consequence of poor vaccination is the resurgence of preventable morbidity, disability and mortality from poliomyelitis, measles, diarrhoea, tuberculosis and pneumonia,’’ he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

He described vaccines as antigens given to activate immunity in humans, saying that immunisation had been identified as a proven interventional strategy for childhood survival for several decades.

Otuneye said an estimated two to three million deaths could be prevented annually by the use of vaccination.

“Childhood vaccination in Nigeria has had a chequered course.

“While efforts and progress have been made to add more antigens to the immunisation schedule, immunisation coverage has been abysmally low nationally, though there are regional differences in rates.

“The gains in the last decade are the successful inclusion of hepatitis B, haemopgilus influenza, conjugate pneumococcal vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine’’.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said the low immunisation rate of about 60 per cent had been a challenge for the last three to four decades.

According to him, the most affected region is the North East with some states having rates below 20 per cent.

Otuneye said the low rate in the region was attributed to the insurgency in that part.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated the last week in April of every year as immunisation week.

The aim is to accelerate action to increase awareness, demand for immunisation and improve vaccination delivery services so that people everywhere can be protected against deadly diseases.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

INEC to publish credentials of 17 Edo governorship candidates on Saturday

INEC to publish credentials of 17 Edo governorship candidates on Saturday

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT