CSO’S in Immunization space demand implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030
By Prudence Eboagwu-Ijah
Civil Society Organisations in Immunization space have demanded for the urgent implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).
Immunization Agenda 2030 is an ambitious global strategy that aims to reduce by 50%,the number of children receiving zero vaccine doses, achieve 500 introduction of underutilized vaccines in low and middle-income countries from 2020 to 2030 amongst other strategies.
IA2030 goals and framework aimes to accelerate movement towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, while monitoring primary health care functioning and other health related goals.
The Director General of West Africa Institute of Public Health Dr Francis Ohaniedo speaking on behalf of other CSO’s in the Immunization space noted that despite the major gains made in the area of Immunization and access to vaccines in the last two decades, Nigeria is still graplling with obvious challenges as it relates to local vaccine production and coverage.
Speaking at a press briefing at the end of a two day Africa Vaccination week Symposium organised by West Africa Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) with the support of the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health and Scale a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Reinvestment Health Social and Accountability Project in collaboration with other partners, Ohaniedo said local vaccine production will improve access to vaccines.
“Local production of vaccines will ensure equitable access to vaccines. The hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines created problems for countries who didn’t produce theirs. There was no equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
if vaccines are produced in Nigeria, the onus lies on the states to ensure they procure for their states, while the primary health system needs to function optimally to ensure there is equitable distribution.” Ohaniedo said.
Still on vaccine production, Ohaniedo said a research hub is already being set up, as a regulatory framework is in place but it is hoped that local vaccine production will start up without further delays.
In his address, Program Advisor Centre for Accountability and And Inclusive Development Jonathan Isah reiterated that vaccines have remained very potent as vaccines have proven to ensure longevity and better lives because the world now has vaccines that can help prevent over twenty life threatening diseases.
“Vaccines have helped in elimiation of polio, maternal and neonatal tetanus and vaccines are making a huge impact on diseases like cervical cancer, hepatitis and Ebola.
The IA2030 is a milestone that Nigeria needs to run along with so as to achieve the sustainable development goals.If IA2030 is implemented on schedule, 20 million African lives will be saved.” Isah said.
A virologist Professor Oyewale Tomori stressed that Nigeria is not where it should be as regards IA2030 which is 8 years from now.
He advised that is important to ensure that no routine Immunization plan suffers while running COVID-19 vaccination.
Other partners at the meeting affirmed that the local production of vaccines will serve the public good due to the country’s population hence the need for government to create an enabling environment for local vaccine production to thrive.
The IA2030 seeks to ensure comprehensive Immunization system.
By Prudence Eboagwu-Ijah
Civil Society Organisations in Immunization space have demanded for the urgent implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).
Immunization Agenda 2030 is an ambitious global strategy that aims to reduce by 50%,the number of children receiving zero vaccine doses, achieve 500 introduction of underutilized vaccines in low and middle-income countries from 2020 to 2030 amongst other strategies.
IA2030 goals and framework aimes to accelerate movement towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, while monitoring primary health care functioning and other health related goals.
The Director General of West Africa Institute of Public Health Dr Francis Ohaniedo speaking on behalf of other CSO’s in the Immunization space noted that despite the major gains made in the area of Immunization and access to vaccines in the last two decades, Nigeria is still graplling with obvious challenges as it relates to local vaccine production and coverage.
Speaking at a press briefing at the end of a two day Africa Vaccination week Symposium organised by West Africa Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) with the support of the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health and Scale a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Reinvestment Health Social and Accountability Project in collaboration with other partners, Ohaniedo said local vaccine production will improve access to vaccines.
“Local production of vaccines will ensure equitable access to vaccines. The hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines created problems for countries who didn’t produce theirs. There was no equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
if vaccines are produced in Nigeria, the onus lies on the states to ensure they procure for their states, while the primary health system needs to function optimally to ensure there is equitable distribution.” Ohaniedo said.
Still on vaccine production, Ohaniedo said a research hub is already being set up, as a regulatory framework is in place but it is hoped that local vaccine production will start up without further delays.
In his address, Program Advisor Centre for Accountability and And Inclusive Development Jonathan Isah reiterated that vaccines have remained very potent as vaccines have proven to ensure longevity and better lives because the world now has vaccines that can help prevent over twenty life threatening diseases.
“Vaccines have helped in elimiation of polio, maternal and neonatal tetanus and vaccines are making a huge impact on diseases like cervical cancer, hepatitis and Ebola.
The IA2030 is a milestone that Nigeria needs to run along with so as to achieve the sustainable development goals.If IA2030 is implemented on schedule, 20 million African lives will be saved.” Isah said.
A virologist Professor Oyewale Tomori stressed that Nigeria is not where it should be as regards IA2030 which is 8 years from now.
He advised that is important to ensure that no routine Immunization plan suffers while running COVID-19 vaccination.
Other partners at the meeting affirmed that the local production of vaccines will serve the public good due to the country’s population hence the need for government to create an enabling environment for local vaccine production to thrive.
The IA2030 seeks to ensure comprehensive Immunization system.
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