The Senate Committee on Health has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bolstering immunisation efforts across Nigeria, specifically pledging to ensure the timely release of funds necessary to support frontline workers and enhance vaccination drives nationwide.
This commitment was made by the committee’s Chairman, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Barigo, on Monday during an outreach and sensitisation exercise held in the Galadimawa community, FCT, commemorating the 2025 World Immunization Day celebration.
The event, themed “World Immunisation Day: Immunisation is Humanly Possible for All,” was organized in collaboration with the Caywood Brown Foundation and other partners.
Legislators and Health Officials Address Vaccination Myths
Dr. Harry-Barigo highlighted the life-saving importance of immunisation and public health improvement, noting that the community outreach was crucial for dispelling myths surrounding vaccination.
She gave assurance regarding the legislature’s role in resource allocation, stating: “As a committee on the Senate, we are always trying to make sure that we provide enough budget appropriation for immunisation.”
Dr. Ruqaya Wamakko, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, strongly emphasized the necessity of ensuring that every child is immunized to safeguard them from preventable diseases.
She made a direct appeal to the community, urging: “We urge every household to bring out their children for this vaccination. It is our responsibility to ensure we vaccinate our children and protect them against diseases.”
She further called for cooperation from community leaders, adding: “We also urge all traditional, religious leaders, household’ heads and women to allow their children access to this initiative.”
Partners Advocate for Sustainable Funding and Ambitious Targets
Similarly, Mrs. Chika Offor, CEO of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, mentioned that vaccination activities are a key part of the network’s strategy to support the government as Nigeria targets reaching 106 million children.
In the same vein, Emmanuel Alhassan, Country Director of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stressed the critical importance of secure funding to improve access to immunisation services.
He underscored the significance of the exercise, saying: “It is very significant because there are so many vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is crucial, which is why partners are coming together to support the government’s ambitious target of reaching 106 million children.”
Alhassan expressed confidence in achieving this goal, concluding: “It is achievable, and we will continue to advocate that they should increase funding in a sustainable manner for immunisation and strengthening of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the country.”
The event concluded with the stakeholders conducting a road show and a sensitisation exercise across the community to raise awareness, while some residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria expressed appreciation for the initiative, believing it would improve their children’s health status and protect them against diseases.
