NPHCDA, traditional Leaders reaffirm commitment to immunization

The Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening immunization services and tackling vaccine hesitancy across Nigeria. This came at the committee’s 2nd Quarter 2025 Review Meeting, where stakeholders reviewed progress and challenges in the delivery of primary health care services. Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care […]

The Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening immunization services and tackling vaccine hesitancy across Nigeria.

This came at the committee’s 2nd Quarter 2025 Review Meeting, where stakeholders reviewed progress and challenges in the delivery of primary health care services.

Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said immunization and related services remain at the heart of the country’s efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He noted that partnerships with traditional leaders have made it possible to reach more communities and increase vaccination coverage, though challenges remain.

“We are now able to reach more communities, vaccinate more children, and protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases,” Aina said.

“But we are not done yet. Because of misinformation and lack of awareness, we still have clusters of Nigerians who have doubts about these vaccines and reject them when vaccination teams visit.”

He explained that traditional leaders have been instrumental in addressing non-compliance through the creation of Non-Compliance Resolution Teams.

“This approach has resolved up to 80%–84% of non-compliance cases,” he said, adding that integrating other services like malaria treatment and nutritional support into campaigns has made communities more receptive.

Aina stressed that Nigeria has remained free of the wild poliovirus since 2020, but warned that variant strains are still circulating.

“From January to last week, compared to the same period last year, there has been a 46% reduction in the number of variant viruses isolated. Our goal is to reduce this figure to zero, or as close as possible, by December this year,” he said.

He called on the media to complement the work of traditional leaders in spreading accurate information and urged communities to remain vigilant.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammed Sumaila, acknowledged the difficulties faced in areas affected by insurgency and insecurity but urged continued commitment.

“We are trying our best, but it is not easy. In areas affected by insurgency and insecurity, access becomes very difficult,” he said.

While stressing the importance of perseverance, the Emir said: “We must continue to do all we can to ensure that we save the lives of our children. This is an opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of our sons and daughters everywhere.

“We must take this not just as an opportunity to do good, but also as a chance to save lives and place the name of our country in a better light.”

Alex Gasasira, a representative from World Health Organization (WHO), commended Nigeria’s progress and partnerships in the health sector.

“We are really encouraged by the progress Nigeria is making,” he said. “We are encouraged by the partnerships — with traditional leaders and with the communities — and I think this is the right way to go. There are still some challenges, but by building on the successes achieved so far, we will get there.”

The review meeting brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and development partners to discuss strategies for consolidating gains in immunization, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring that health interventions reach the most vulnerable communities.