Story By Khadijat Aliyu
Vaccine hesitancy has been identified as a major hindrance to vaccination in Nigeria.
The Chief of Health UNICEF Nigeria, Eduardo Celades made the indication during a media dialogue on vaccines and immunization held in Kano.
According to him, vaccine hesitancy has played a vital role in reducing the number of those vaccinated globally, as Nigeria records over two million zero-dose children.
“If we don’t do something in 5-10 years the problem would continue to go up as vaccine hesitancy puts more lives at risk”.
Eduardo explained that in Nigeria, there are more health services, functional healthcare facilities and availability of vaccines.
“It is not an issue of supply but we are going to face an issue of demand, where people are asking for the immunization “.
He urged the media and relevant stakeholders to work together to address rumours and misinformation surrounding vaccination.
In his opening remarks, the Officer in Charge OIC UNICEF Kano field office, Michel Banda pointed out that good health is a form of human capital and investing in health can have better educational outcomes, skilled workforce and increased overall productivity.
He said a functional primary healthcare (PHC) system that provides healthcare services to mothers and children is critical to the well-being of children.
In her welcome address Communications Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Safiya Akau pointed out that the role of media in checkmating rumours, and misinformation on vaccination cannot be over-emphasized.
The Managing Director Nigerian Film Corporation who doubles as UNICEF champion Ali Nuhu stressed that as an influencer, he steps down his knowledge about the importance of vaccination through skits and videos in English, Hausa and pidgin.
He commended UNICEF for bringing together different people from all walks of life to put heads together to find solutions to certain problems.
“We are discussing how to produce a film on the protection of children’s rights”
Social behaviour changes SBC specialist Ogu Enemaku presented a paper on bottlenecks, social behaviour change and opportunities, and the communications specialist UNICEF field office Kano Samuel Kaalu urged the media to advocate for the fulfilment of the rights of children, especially vaccination.
Others who spoke include the Director General Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board SPHCMB Dr. Nasir Mahmoud.
The team earlier visited PHCs in Gezawa and other parts of Kano to administer and sensitize the public on the importance of routine immunization and vaccination.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
