At the launch were National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the arm of Federal Ministry of Health responsible for routine immunization in Nigeria.
Also at the event were representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Clinton Health and Access Initiative, GlaxoSmithKline and other partners in the routine immunization landscape in Nigeria.
The Kogi State governor, Capt. Idris Wada, described the introduction of the new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as an essential response to reducing pneumonia in Nigeria.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Arch. Yomi Awoniyi, said the newly introduced vaccine is a laudable initiative that is capable of protecting young children against pneumonia and other diseases, and disclosed that it is another strategy aimed at reaching every child at risk of pneumonia.
He further called on stakeholders in the forefront of disseminating information on immunization and other health sectors to influence the acceptance of the newly introduced vaccine.
Speaking at the launch, NPHCDA executive director, Dr. Ado Muhammad, said by the time the nation achieves full time national coverage of the vaccine, Nigeria will avert over 600,000 childhood deaths over three years.
WHO country director, Dr. Rui Vas, who was represented by Dr. Musa Omotosho, said the introduction of PCV in Nigeria will accelerate the progress of the country towards achieving the MDG4 Goal.
Just for you to know Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Common signs of pneumonia can include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.
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