Trust in vaccines and public health authorities is essential for the success of vaccination campaigns in any nation and can reduce death in children, especially in areas where vaccine-preventable diseases are still prevalent.
This is according to the Director, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Mrs Chika Offor, who also noted that countering hesitancy, holding authorities accountable and fostering dialogue would improve investment in vaccine procurement by authorities.
Offor warned that there must be continuous dialogue on issues such as more access to vaccines for Nigerian children, increasing immunization coverage and strengthening primary healthcare structures to ensure that more children are reached with life-saving vaccines.
Offor, who is also the Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC), tasked journalists to highlight the positive impact of vaccines on public health, share success stories and real-life examples of how vaccines have saved lives and prevented diseases”.
Speaking to journalists, she said, “Trust in vaccines and public health authorities is crucial for successful vaccination campaigns of any nation. ANHEJ can contribute to building trust by reporting on the rigorous scientific process behind vaccine development, testing, and approval.
“Advocacy and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of vaccinations will promote maternal health practices.”
