Children are no longer allowed to get the Rotavirus vaccine, according to the Federal Government.
As part of events celebrating African Immunization Week with the theme “Long Life for All,” campaigning for unvaccinated children in Africa, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, officially launched the vaccination program in Abuja.
Ehanire emphasized the significance of the Rotavirus vaccine in the nation, stating that more than 90% of malaria-related deaths take place in underdeveloped nations, including Nigeria.
“The vaccination is crucial because it will reduce the number of deaths associated with diarrhea for around 10 years,” he added.
The Minister, who was represented by Dr. Morenike Alex-Okoh, Director of Public Health, recommended parents to make sure their children receive vaccinations against the Rotavirus and all other fatal illnesses of childhood since doing so would enhance the health of kids.
Additionally, Mrs. Rahmatu Tijjani, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, thinks that the Rotavirus vaccination would lower the mortality and morbidity rates associated with diarrhea in children under the age of five.
The Minister promised that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which was represented by Dr. Tafida Abubakar, will continue to assist the health sector as is vital for everyone’s well-being in the.
She urged African nations to take the COVID-19 vaccination in order to increase the population’s level of immunity on the continent.
According to Dr. Faisal Shu’aib, Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the inclusion of the vaccine in Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule will contribute to a 40% reduction in morbidity and mortality linked to rotavirus infections among children under the age of five.
“The Nigerian Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS) 2.0, clearly articulates techniques to be used in achieving sustained high coverage levels for all antigens, particularly for novel vaccines introduced in the nation.”
According to Dr. Shu’aibu, the Rotavirus vaccination has been shown to protect against the Rotavirus-caused diarrheal illness.
At the ceremony, development partners and donor organizations pledged to maintain their support for Nigeria’s effort to eradicate pediatric deadly illnesses.
Rotavirus, a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhoea disease in infants and children worldwide, is responsible for about two hundred and fifteen thousand of the five hundred and twenty-five thousand deaths of children under five worldwide each year that are attributed to diarrheal disease.
