NPHCDA rolls out Meningitis A Vaccine in Abuja

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.

By PRNigeria