Kwara rolls out life-saving vaccines to commemorate World Immunization Week
The Kwara State has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Immunization Week 2025.
The World Immunization Week is celebrated between 24th to 30th April, 2025 across the globe to extol the wins of vaccination
Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary, the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, while disclosing this in her office, asserted that, “Immunization is not only one of the most effective public health intervention; it is a fundamental right, a shared responsibility and an important investment in our future. Vaccines have saved over 150 million lives over the past 50 years of Expanded Programmes on Immunization, reducing infant mortality by 40% and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases.”
This year’s theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”, emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of age or location, has access to life-saving vaccines.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the Ministry Alade Opeyemi, Prof. Elelu noted that the World Immunization Week is celebrated to promote the life-saving power of immunization, and ensuring that there are sustained global efforts to reach every child and adult with vaccines, which includes strengthening national immunization programmes, addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations.
She further asserted that as the World Immunization Week is celebrated across the globe, there is a need to renew our commitment to immunization.
“We can make a difference by advocating for stronger immunization programmes, supporting community-based immunization initiatives and ensuring that everyone has access to the life-saving power of vaccines.
“As we celebrate this week, let us remember that “Immunization for all is Humanly Possible. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child and adult has access to the protection they need against vaccine preventable diseases,” she added.
Prof. Elelu enjoined mothers and caregivers to ensure that their children get the life-saving vaccines to protect vulnerable children against diseases, reiterating that the State government has made huge investment in immunization, human resources and health system generally as well as inaugurated the State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Health Care; released funds to support immunization; paid relevant counterpart funds; invested in upgrade of health facilities and support for cold chain system.
The objectives for this year Africa Vaccination Week include:
1. Reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of big catch-up initiatives.
2. Show vaccines’ health benefits for children, communities and Africa.
3. Highlight routine immunization’s role in strong health systems and universal coverage.
4. Continue improving immunization and address gaps with more investment.
