Global immunization experts have commended the Nigerian government for what they described as “courageous transparency” in a latest world annual report of data on routine immunization and polio eradication .
Dr. Orin Levine of the Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation and Dr. Mike Osterholm from the University of Minnesota, Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, gave the commendation.
Quoting from WHO/UNICEF joint annual report (WUENIC) featuring over 194 countries, the two professors, in a publication, for the first time described, as positive, better and accurate data received on immunization coverage at the sub-national levels for 125 out of 194 countries of the world.
Nigeria, was singled out for commendation, for reporting the most accurate estimates of her immunization coverage.
They called on other countries of the world to emulate Nigeria’s good example in transparency, accuracy and due process in her programme’s data reportage on routine immunization.
The experts also emphasized that it was the best strategy to improve the protection of their communities against vaccine preventable diseases. The publication also acknowledged tremendous progress the world had made at ensuring that no child was left un-reached by lifesaving vaccines.
Their report described childhood immunization as one of the best investments any country could make, stressing that every one dollar invested on immunization resulted in 44 dollars in terms of social and economic benefits.
A three-man high-power delegation of the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (Gavi) led by its Managing Director in Geneva, MS Hind Othman, last week in Abuja announced that Gavi would continue to support Nigeria’s routine immunization of vaccine preventable diseases. This, Gavi MD emphasized, was because of the Nigerian’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.
The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole had called on all Nigerians to support the implementation of the Primary Health Centre revitalization agenda and strengthening of routine immunization.
Reacting to the commendation on transparent and accurate data, the Executive Director and Chief Executive, National Primary Health care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib noted with delight that transparency, accountability and the strict adherence to due process, were all parts of positive outcomes arising from the change agenda of the Buhari administration.
