The federal government yesterday, expressed grave concerns over the rising number of deaths involving mothers and children from preventable and vaccine preventable diseases.
The government disclosed that Nigeria was experiencing intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), with a total of 70 cases reported so are from 46 local government areas, cutting across 14 northern states.
It particularly disclosed that the country was daily losing about 2,300 under five years old children and 145 women of childbearing age, regretting that despite its efforts, too many mothers and children continue to lose their lives.
The government which said most of the deaths were occurring in northern Nigeria, attributed the development to the challenge associated with demand for essential maternal and child health services.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, said this in his remarks during a meeting with northern religious leaders on vaccination, maternal and child health, in Abuja.
He said, “Vaccination and maternal and child health are critical to our mission to strengthen the primary healthcare system and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, especially in our most vulnerable populations.
“We are all aware that Nigeria has made significant strides in public health over the past few years, but the challenges we face remain substantial.
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“Despite our efforts, too many mothers and children continue to lose their lives to preventable causes, and vaccine-preventable diseases still pose a serious threat to our people. It is for this reason that our work together must remain focused, determined, and driven by our collective resolve to improve the health and wellbeing of our people.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions in the world, saving millions of lives each year. It is a proven tool for protecting individuals and communities from diseases such as polio, measles, yellow fever, meningitis, and tetanus, among others.
“However, we cannot achieve the full potential of immunization programs without the trust and cooperation of the people, and this is where you, our reverend religious leaders play a critical role.
“As trusted leaders of your congregation, you have the power to dispel myths, correct misinformation, and encourage positive health-seeking behaviours.
“You are not just spiritual guides but also advocates for the well-being of your followers. Your influence on parents can make the difference between a child dying from childhood diseases and another surviving because the latter was protected with vaccines.
“It is to state that the health of a nation is intricately tied to the health of its women and children. A healthy mother ensures a healthy family, and a healthy child is the foundation of a prosperous future.
“Yet, in many parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas, demand for essential maternal and child health services remains a challenge. Too many women still die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and too many children fail to reach their fifth birthday due to preventable diseases.
“Every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five years old children and 145 women of childbearing age. Most of these deaths are occurring in northern Nigeria. ”
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Speaking on the resurgence of polio in the country, he said: “Nigeria is currently witnessing intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2(cVPV2), with a total of 70 cVPV2 from 46 LGAs across 14 Northern states.”
According to him, “This is an indication of continuous transmission of the virus due to low routine immunization, and refusal of vaccines during polio campaigns.”
Expressing regret over the ugly development,he said:”This must change. We must ensure that every woman has access to antenatal care, that every pregnancy is delivered by trained and skilled midwives, and that every child completes their routine Immunization according to the National schedule and get vaccinated every time vaccination teams visit their homes.
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“Together, we must work to create a system that ensures no mother or child is left behind.”
He urged the royal fathers to make a renewed commitment to the health of the people and communities.
” We must focus on breaking down barriers to care, ensuring equitable access to services, and building trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
“Our collective efforts can create an environment where every Nigerian child is immunized, and every Nigerian mother receives the care she deserves,”he further charged them.
The NPHCDA boss however, commended His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and His Eminence, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh “for always mobilizing traditional and religious leaders to support immunization and other primary health care programmes” in the country.