Nigeria needs to reach millions more children with routine vaccines to strengthen protection against preventable diseases, according to concerns raised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking at a health diplomacy meeting in Abuja on October 13, WHO Representative Pavel Ursu called for greater investment in Nigeria’s health system and stronger measures to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. He also stressed the need for the country to take greater responsibility for funding essential health programmes.
The warning comes as Nigeria continues to face challenges involving diseases such as measles and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. Improving access to routine immunisation remains an important part of protecting children and reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Why Immunisation Gaps Are a Concern
Routine immunisation helps protect children against infectious diseases that can cause serious illness, disability or death.
When children miss recommended vaccine doses, they may remain vulnerable to diseases that could otherwise be prevented or reduced through vaccination.
The WHO identified measles and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus among the diseases Nigeria continues to face challenges containing.
Measles can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Polio can cause permanent paralysis.
Closing vaccination gaps is therefore important for protecting individual children and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks in communities.
What Is Contributing to the Problem?
During the Abuja meeting, WHO officials highlighted weaknesses in immunisation coverage, disease surveillance and access to safe water and sanitation.
Some communities face difficulties accessing healthcare services because of insecurity, displacement, long distances to health facilities and limited resources.
These challenges can make it harder for parents and caregivers to take children for scheduled vaccinations or return for subsequent doses.
The WHO also stressed the need for stronger domestic health financing so Nigeria can take greater responsibility for sustaining immunisation programmes and responding to disease outbreaks.
What Parents and Guardians Should Do
Parents and guardians can help protect children by keeping their vaccinations up to date.
Here are practical steps to take:
- Check your child’s vaccination record. Review the child’s immunisation card with a qualified healthcare worker to identify any missed or overdue doses.
- Attend scheduled immunisation visits. Follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your healthcare provider. If a dose has been missed, ask a qualified health worker how to continue.
- Keep vaccination records safe. An up-to-date record helps healthcare workers determine which vaccines a child has received and which may still be needed.
- Get information from reliable sources. Speak with qualified healthcare professionals or visit an authorised health facility if you have questions about vaccine safety, side effects or the recommended schedule.
- Seek medical attention when a child is unwell. Do not rely on vaccination alone to assess or treat symptoms. A healthcare professional can determine whether a child needs testing or treatment.
The Role of Healthcare Workers in Childhood Immunisation
Nurses and other healthcare workers play an important role in helping families understand the importance of vaccination.
They can explain recommended schedules, review immunisation records, answer parents’ questions and direct families to appropriate vaccination services.
Community health education is also important. Clear, accurate information can help address concerns about vaccines and encourage families to complete their children’s recommended doses.
However, improving immunisation coverage requires coordinated action from government, healthcare facilities, community leaders, health workers and international partners.
What Happens Next?
The WHO has called for increased domestic health financing, stronger disease surveillance and better preparedness for outbreaks.
Sustained investment in primary healthcare and accessible immunisation services will be important to reaching children who have missed routine vaccinations.
For parents and guardians, the immediate step is to check children’s vaccination records and consult a qualified healthcare worker about any missed doses.
Protecting children from preventable diseases requires both effective public health programmes and informed decisions at the family level.
This article is for general health education and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
