By Iyemah David
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has reiterated its commitment to improving vaccination coverage in the country.
The Executive Director of the agency, Dr Muyi Aina, gave the assurance at the end of the 14th African Rotavirus Symposium, under the theme “Rotavirus Disease Control in Africa: Vaccination and Surveillance as the Foundation of an Integrated Approach” in Abuja.
The 14th ARS was organised by AfrRN, co-hosted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and NPHCDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health
Dr Aina acknowledged the significant impact of rotavirus infections in the country and emphasised the importance of combating this disease.
He highlighted the introduction of the Rotavirus vaccine into routine immunisation schedules as a significant step in addressing rotavirus infections.
He expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders for their support in enhancing routine immunisation coverage, and emphasised the need to ensure that eligible persons are immunised.
He called for collective efforts and determination to make a difference and protect every child through vaccination.
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, called for collaboration and support to introduce the rotavirus vaccine in African countries that had yet to implement it.
He also called for sustained genomic surveillance and monitoring of the genetic diversity of rotavirus strains, post-vaccine and post-vaccine switch.
Adetifa advocated the adoption of a one-health approach to better assess the evolution dynamics of rotavirus and highlighted the necessity of enhancing collection, storage, transportation and data management at regional rotavirus laboratories across the continent.
He said, “it calls for the implementation of context-specific practices to expand and roll out new vaccines, ensuring community engagement and inter-sectoral collaboration.”
The Co-Chair, Local Organising Committee, Dr Oyeladun Okunromade,urged the remaining 12 African countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines into their national immunisation programmes.
She called on GAVI, UNICEF, and WHO to address the persistent issue of rotavirus vaccine stockpiling and improve communication with countries regarding vaccine forecasting.
“This is crucial to ensure the effective impact of rotavirus vaccines on fertility, mortality and overall health outcomes,” she said.
Rotavirus is the most common severe diarrheal disease in Africa.
Rotavirus commonly causes severe, watery diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. Vomiting and fever are also common in babies with rotavirus.
Children may become dehydrated and need to be hospitalised and can even die.
Rotavirus vaccine can prevent rotavirus disease.
