Save the Children International Nigeria Calls Government, Stakeholders to end Childhood Death
By: Collins Mbakwe
A leading child rights non-governmental organization, Save the Children International Nigeria has called on both local, state, and federal governments to find a solution to ending childhood death from vaccine-preventable diseases [VPDs].
This is contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by Kunle Olawoyin, Media and Communication Manager.
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According to the statement, as the world commemorates World Immunization Week, Save the Children International in Nigeria urges governments and stakeholders at all levels to accelerate actions toward reducing and ending death from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Immunization prevents diseases, disabilities, and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, and pneumonia.
Vaccines are among the greatest advances in global health and development. For over 200 years, vaccines have protected us against diseases, allowing generations of people to grow and thrive. Vaccines help eradicate childhood diseases and save millions of children’s lives each year.”
It said that available data has shown that global vaccination rates have dropped to levels not seen in a decade, with 3.5 million fewer children receiving vaccines in 2020 compared to 2019.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the disruption of immunization services, leaving millions of children at greater risk of missing out on critical vaccinations against diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough, pneumonia, and poliomyelitis,” it added.
Save the Children believes that immunization saves millions of lives and it is recognized as one of the world’s most successful health interventions.”
“Every child needs to be vaccinated against preventable diseases. These diseases can negatively impact the quality of life and cause death.
We welcome increased emphasis and training for health workers and community members on the many benefits of immunization,” it quoted Shannon Ward, Interim Country Director, Save the Children International in Nigeria, saying.
The statement disclosed that this year, World Immunization Week’s (i.e., 24th- 30th April 2022) theme of “Long Life for All” aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“This theme is apt as the world gradually recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This brings us another opportunity to enhance the collaboration of various stakeholders and interest groups including community, religious, and traditional rulers and private sector companies to contribute to improving health for all towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.”
According to Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communication, and Media, Save the Children International in Nigeria:
‘’We urge the Government of Nigeria to support an increase in domestic investment in the health sector to meet with 15% target of the Abuja Declaration (2001) and ensure that health spending improves child health services, including by removing user fees, reducing non-financial barriers to accessing care, and prioritizing primary health services, among others.
Focusing on zero-dose children is particularly important because those who are reached with the first vaccine are highly likely to also receive remaining dosages.”
This week provides us an opportunity to increase public awareness about the importance of every person’s needs and rights, including that of children, girls, women, and people with disabilities, to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
We call for increased coordination, collaboration with, and support of stakeholders and the government to be able to deliver high-quality, timely, free, and accessible immunization programs at all levels.”
