IVAC launches online data tool for immunization advocacy

The International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) has launched a data tool called  the Value of Immunization Compendium of Evidence (VOICE) to aid advocates and policy makers on immunization advocacy in the country. Speaking during a two-day workshop in Abuja  organized by Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL) – management consultant for IVAC projects in Nigeria, Dr […]

The International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) has launched a data tool called  the Value of Immunization Compendium of Evidence (VOICE) to aid advocates and policy makers on immunization advocacy in the country.
Speaking during a two-day workshop in Abuja  organized by Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL) – management consultant for IVAC projects in Nigeria, Dr Chizoba Wonodi, Nigeria Project Lead, Johns Hopkins University International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), said the  online resource contained key messages on the health, economic and social benefits of vaccines.
She said it was developed under the Strengthening Advocacy for Immunization through Data (SAID) project which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, adding that the project aims to strengthen advocacy for immunization by increasing advocate’s awareness and use of evidence that support investments in routine immunization.
She said the enormous benefits of immunization underscores  the need for the government of Nigeria (federal and states) to ensure appropriation of adequate funds for the routine immunization program the annual budgets.
According to her, there is a funding gap for immunization program in Nigeria due to increasing birth cohort, introduction of new vaccines and the five-year accelerated transition out of Gavifunding support for new vaccines starting from 2017.