The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stern warning to Nigeria regarding persistent immunisation gaps that continue to leave millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases, including measles and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
Speaking at a Health Diplomacy Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative for Nigeria, highlighted that despite substantial support from international partners, the nation faces ongoing challenges in containing these diseases. He underscored the critical need to address these deficiencies to safeguard public health.
The dialogue brought together health stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s health security and ensuring equitable access to vital health services. Dr. Mulombo’s remarks focused on the disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable diseases on Nigerian children, noting that the country accounts for a significant number of global measles cases.
Persistent Challenges in Immunisation Coverage
Dr. Clement Peter, the WHO EPI Team Lead, elaborated on the specific hurdles hindering comprehensive immunisation coverage. He pointed out the issue of ‘zero-dose children’ — those who have not received any routine vaccines — particularly in hard-to-reach areas and communities affected by insecurity. These populations often lack access to primary healthcare services, exacerbating the immunisation deficit.
Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, a significant public health achievement for the continent. However, the emergence of cVDPV poses a renewed threat. This variant can occur in areas with low vaccination rates, where the weakened live virus in oral polio vaccines can circulate and mutate, regaining its ability to cause paralysis. Continued outbreaks of cVDPV underscore the fragile nature of polio eradication efforts and the necessity for robust routine immunisation.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Audu Bala, acknowledged the existing gaps and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving immunisation coverage. He stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare systems, which are the backbone of vaccine delivery, and enhancing community engagement to overcome vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake.
International partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have consistently supported Nigeria’s immunisation programmes through funding, technical assistance, and vaccine procurement. Despite these efforts, systemic issues such as inadequate cold chain infrastructure, logistic challenges, and insufficient domestic financing continue to impede progress.
Addressing these gaps requires a multi-faceted approach, including innovative strategies to reach underserved populations, sustained political commitment, and increased budgetary allocation for immunisation programmes. The WHO’s Immunisation Agenda 2030 aims for a world where everyone benefits from vaccines, and Nigeria’s success is crucial for achieving global targets.
The call to action from the WHO serves as a reminder for Nigeria to intensify efforts in routine immunisation, particularly for children who remain at risk. Failure to do so could reverse gains made in public health and continue to strain an already stretched healthcare system. The full report on these concerns was published by Premium Times Nigeria.
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