Vaccine - News Agency Of Nigeria

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo

Lydia Beshel
Sep, Fri, 2025

Foreign

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo

Ebola

A vaccination campaign is due to begin in the Congo at the weekend, in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

A first batch of 400 vaccine doses arrived by helicopter in the remote affected area earlier in the day, Patrick Otim, the local head of WHO operations, said in Geneva on Friday.

A new confirmed case around 70 kilometres from the outbreak area in the Bulape region of Kasaï province is fuelling concerns about a wider spread of the often fatal disease.

Aid workers who reached the area have identified hundreds of people who were in contact with those infected and would be the first to be vaccinated.

The first cases were reported in early September.

One problem is that the vaccine must be kept at low temperatures but there is no reliable electricity supply in the region.

This is now being achieved with special cool boxes, Otim said.

Another 1,500 vaccine doses are to be flown in once a reliable cooling system is set up on site.

According to the WHO, there are now 25 confirmed cases.

Fourteen people have died, including three children under the age of five.

African health authorities has reported several dozen suspected cases.

However, as this number changes hourly following laboratory analyses, the WHO only reports confirmed cases.

Transmitted through physical contact and contact with body fluids, Ebola is a contagious and life-threatening infectious disease that causes fever, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The mortality rate is extremely high if infected individuals are not treated immediately.

In 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died in an outbreak in West Africa. (dpa/NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Chioma Ugboma

Bago’s wife tasks residents on measles rubella vaccine acceptance

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Fri, 2025

Health

Bago’s wife tasks residents on measles rubella vaccine acceptance

By Rita Iliya
Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of Niger Governor, on Thursday sensitised the residents on measles rubella vaccine, which would soon be launched in the country in October.

The governor’s wife, during the campaign in Minna, said the vaccine would reduce childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.

She said that the campaign was a vital step in the state government’s commitment to prioritising the health and welfare of residents.

“The fight against vaccine preventable diseases requires unity, government health workers, traditional leaders, families and communities. All have a role to play,” she said.

Bago reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum to protect children under five years of age on timely immunisation.

She urged residents to serve as ambassadors for the awareness and partake in the measles rubella vaccine.

The governor’s wife also called on wives of local government chairmen to lead the sensitisation campaign in their localities.

According to her, they should engage families, visit health centres and ensure every eligible child from nine months old to 14 years, is vaccinated.

She said the WHO emphasised that the vaccine, which could prevent mother-to-child diseases, is safe for children.

She added that the event was also to mark the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

In his remarks, Dr Isah Vatsa, North Central Coordinator and Consultant for Measles Rubella Vaccine, said over the years many children had died from complications from measles rubella in Nigeria.

He explained that measles rubella vaccine would protect children from complications such as blindness, deafness, diarrhoea and death.

“The vaccine will be among other vaccines to be given during routine immunisation to prevent children from complications,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger, said the state would provide a counterpart funding of N1.6 billion for the vaccination three million children.

He explained that the vaccine was effective, safe and free and appealed to parents not to deny their children the vaccine

Dangana also reminded the residents of the spread of cholera, which had reached 409 cases and 13 deaths, adding that the treatment was free. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Health

Gavi announces $191m to boost Nigeria’s health system, immunisation

By Abujah Racheal

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a new 191 million dollars Health Systems Strengthening (HSS-3) grant to Nigeria aimed at improving immunisation coverage and reaching underserved populations.

The initiative targets 1.8 million zero-dose children, those who have never received any routine vaccines and aims to raise immunisation coverage to 84 per cent by 2028.

Dr Alex de Jonquières, Gavi’s Director of Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja.

He described the grant as one of Gavi’s largest ever, emphasising its scale and significance.

He noted that it was the result of an inclusive planning process led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, development partners, and civil society.

“The investment will support health system expansion, particularly at the sub-national level.

“Nearly 80 per cent of the funds will be allocated to states, and more than 10 per cent will go directly to civil society organisations to reach the most underserved communities,” said de Jonquières.

He lauded Nigeria’s progress, citing more than 62 million children vaccinated, two million deaths averted, and the successful introduction of nine new vaccines, including those for HPV and malaria.

He added that Gavi had invested more than 2.4 billion dollars in Nigeria since 2000.

“This support has enabled the renovation of 493 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of 3,683 health workers, and procurement of cold chain equipment and logistics vehicles to strengthen immunisation delivery,” he said.

However, de Jonquières also noted that Nigeria still bear the world’s highest burden of zero-dose children, calling for increased domestic investment, stronger accountability, and deeper collaboration.

“As we launch this new phase, we stand at a transformative moment. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” he said.

He also announced an additional 100 million dollars investment for a nationwide measles-rubella campaign in 2025, which aimed to protect more than 100 million children, Gavi’s largest campaign in Nigeria to date.

“This support aligns with Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and broader health sector reforms to drive systemic improvements and sustainable progress in child health outcomes.”

Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, urged stakeholders to view health as a public investment rather than expenditure.

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable health systems.

“There is a need to expand the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), improve transparency in resource use, upgrade healthcare worker training and conditions, strengthen global partnerships, and scale up digital health solutions.

“These efforts must be seen as long-term investments in a healthier future for all Nigerians, especially children,” she said.

Dr Walter Mulombo, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health system through a rights-based approach grounded in governance, transparency, and partnerships.

He highlighted governance as a critical pillar of health systems strengthening and commended Nigeria’s progress with the SWAp.

He underscored urgent priorities, including reducing zero-dose children, expanding malaria and HPV vaccinations, and introducing the measles-rubella vaccine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HSS-3 initiative, supported by Gavi and global partners, aims to improve healthcare access for women and children, particularly in underserved areas.

Running from 2025 to 2028, the programme will address resource gaps, strengthen leadership and oversight, and expand primary healthcare services across Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Abiemwense Moru

West Africa steps up lassa fever vaccine efforts

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jan, Thu, 2025

Health

West Africa steps up lassa fever vaccine efforts

By Abujah Racheal

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and national task forces from five countries met on Thursday to advance efforts in developing a Lassa fever vaccine.

The inaugural meeting and launch of the Lassa Fever Coalition Governing Entity (LFGE), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, marked a significant step toward addressing the recurring threat of Lassa fever in the region.

The coalition’s goal is to develop, equitably distribute, and deploy an effective Lassa fever vaccine, while also addressing immediate needs such as public awareness campaigns, equipping health workers, and ensuring access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable populations.

Dr Melchior Aissi, Director General of WAHO, described Lassa fever as a zoonotic disease that had plagued West Africa for over 50 years, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among health workers.

“In spite of therapeutic interventions, the absence of a preventive vaccine has made the disease a recurring challenge,” he said.

Aissi stressed the importance of fostering scientific collaboration, raising awareness among political leaders, and ensuring vaccine affordability and accessibility.

He also lauded the support of ECOWAS Heads of State and development partners in advancing WAHO’s agenda, which included strengthening health systems, enhancing epidemic preparedness, and promoting investment in research and innovation.

“Efforts are underway to mobilise resources, ensure fair allocation of health products, and build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of addressing both emerging and existing health challenges,” he added.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, highlighted significant progress since the Lassa fever vaccine programme began in 2018.

“Nigeria has always been central to these efforts as the epicentre of Lassa fever due to its high number of cases,” he said.

Hatchett revealed that Phase II field trials were now underway in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with earlier trials conducted in Ghana.

He stressed the importance of understanding the epidemiology of Lassa fever across the region to target vaccine trials effectively.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised the coalition’s focus on advancing vaccine development and strengthening public health measures.

He highlighted the need for equity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and health workers benefited from the coalition’s efforts.

“Sustained collaboration among national, regional, and global partners is essential to building inclusive and resilient health systems,” Pate said.

Dr Catherine Cooper, Chief Medical Officer in Liberia, revealed that enhanced surveillance had uncovered an expansion of Lassa fever cases across multiple regions in the country.

She stressed the importance of regional coordination in ensuring a comprehensive approach to vaccine development and survivor care.

In Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, discussed progress in enhancing laboratory capacity for quicker diagnosis of suspected cases.

However, he noted challenges in rural areas, including delays in sample transport and result dissemination.

“Community sensitisation programmes have been pivotal in educating the public about preventive measures, such as proper food storage and sanitation, to reduce exposure to infected rodents,” Vandi said.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, emphasised the importance of collaboration with institutions and researchers to stimulate interest and government support for scientific research.

He noted that public health activities were research-based, involving data collection and expert collaboration, which were crucial for finding solutions to health challenges.

He underscored the need for equitable sharing of benefits arising from global scientific efforts, ensuring that all regions, including Africa, have fair access to innovations, technologies, and products.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition represents a united effort to combat Lassa fever in West Africa, combining scientific innovation with a commitment to equitable healthcare delivery.

While challenges remain, the collective efforts of national governments, regional organisations, and international partners offer hope for a healthier and more resilient future for the region.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru