The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, as highlighted by its Country Representative to Nigeria. Speaking at a workshop in Abuja aimed at enhancing health reporting skills among journalists, the WHO representative emphasized the rigorous approval processes that vaccines undergo before they are made available to the public.
Nigeria is set to roll out the malaria vaccine as part of its routine immunization program, alongside the recent introduction of the single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine this October. The WHO’s approval process involves the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Vaccines and Immunisation, which thoroughly reviews the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
“The evidence shows that vaccines are safe and effective,” stated the representative. “Access to vaccination is a human right, and misinformation regarding vaccines can inhibit communities from receiving essential healthcare services, contributing to high mortality rates.”
The WHO also urged Nigeria to transition from pilot programs to large-scale healthcare initiatives, calling for collaborative efforts from both government entities and communities to address the critical challenges within the health sector.
