PAN POSITION STATEMENT ON WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 24TH TO 30TH APRIL 2025
Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Over the last 50 years, Immunization has saved at least 154 million lives. Immunization prevents morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases while also preventing disability that may result from some of the vaccine-preventable diseases such as poliomyelitis. Immunization also saves scarce resources for families while ensuring that children lead healthy lives. For every dollar invested in immunization, there is a return of 16 dollars. Immunization is the right of every child and adolescent; accordingly immunization is provided free for Nigerian children.
PAN thus notes with dismay the recurrent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in Nigeria and the needless loss of lives and the countless others who may live with the disabilities left by these vaccine preventable disease. In recent times, there have been outbreaks of measles, meningitis and diphtheria. The diphtheria outbreak, the largest in recent times has been traced to low vaccination uptake. PAN also notes the large numbers of zero dose children domiciled within our borders.
As we celebrate the World immunization week that commemorates the gains of immunization while creating awareness, PAN restates her commitment to the promotion, protection and support of immunization as a right of every child and adolescent. Immunization should reach all children in every nook and cranny of Nigeria fostering inclusivity and equity. PAN advocates for immunization to reach the unreached, booster doses to consolidate immunity and the introduction of new vaccines into the National Programme on Immunization schedule, to expand the protection of Nigerian children from infectious diseases.
The theme for the World Immunization Week 2025 “Immunization for all is humanly possible ” resonates with PAN. We call on all paediatricians and stakeholders to join in the task of reaching all Nigerian children with immunization: It is humanly possible.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live the Nigerian Child!
Long live PAN!
Dr Ekanem Ekure
President
Dr Chika Duru
Secretary
