NPHCDA rolls out
NPHCDA rolls out Meningitis A Vaccine in
Abuja
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has
rolled out Meningitis A vaccine into the Nigeria routine of
immunization schedule.
The official roll out ceremony which was held at Abuja is part
of efforts of NPHCDA to improve the health status of children in
Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, represented
by Mr Atang said he is hopeful that the introduction of meningitis
A vaccine will afford the children the opportunity to access
important life-saving intervention free of charge at every health
facility in Nigeria.
Mr Ohaa further appealed to religious leaders, traditional
rulers, major stakeholders and other well meaning Nigerians in the
FCT to continue to collaborate with the administration to provide
better health for all.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr
Faisal Shuaib stated that the introduction of Meningitis A (Men A)
vaccine marks a giant stride in improving the health status of
children in the country.
According to him “the introduction of Men A vaccine into the EPI
schedule will provide protection against Neissaria meningitis
serotype A.
“NPHCDA and partners have trained health workers all over the
country to administer this vaccine safely together with other
routine immunization vaccines. All health facilities offering RI
henceforth will need to provide Meningitis A vaccine as a single
dose injection at 9 months of age” he added.
Dr Shuaib also noted that meningitis is a devastating disease
and remains a major public health challenge.
Dr Shuaib further urge all parents and caregivers to present
their children under one year of age to the nearest health facility
offering routine immunization for vaccination.
He commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
for supporting the agency in addressing primary healthcare
challenges.
“This support to the agency has improved our performance in the
routine immunization coverage of the country” he said.
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