News & Events
Call to Improve Immunisation Rates in Nigeria – Health Minister
- October 17, 2023
- Posted by: Admin
- Category: Diaspora Health Health tips National Health Daily News update

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has underscored the urgent need to enhance immunisation rates and strengthen healthcare systems in Nigeria. He expressed these concerns at a strategic retreat of the seven health committees of the National Assembly, organised under the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU).
Pate expressed his deep concern about the low immunisation rates among children in Nigeria, highlighting that only 10% of children receive any form of immunisation. This alarming statistic poses a significant health risk to children as they grow, as it leaves them vulnerable to preventable diseases.
He called for immediate actions within the health sector to address the issue and emphasised the need to strengthen the healthcare system, which plays a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. Pate identified challenges faced by healthcare centres, including a shortage of human and material resources. To tackle these challenges effectively, he stressed the necessity of collaborations between different stakeholders, including healthcare workers, government officials, and the community. Adequate resources must be allocated to maintain and improve healthcare facilities, ensuring they are fully functional and capable of meeting the population’s healthcare needs.
Pate also emphasised the importance of innovative financing options to ensure that all Nigerians have access to high-quality healthcare services. He suggested that this may involve exploring health insurance state mandates and finding ways to provide care for vulnerable populations. While the government invests in healthcare, Pate emphasised the importance of alignment between priorities and objectives to ensure that funds are directed toward specific goals that improve health outcomes.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, World Health Organisation Country Representative to Nigeria, highlighted the vital role of the National Assembly and the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in improving healthcare. He stressed the need for increased education about the importance of immunisation to address the underlying factors contributing to low immunisation rates, including misconceptions, the need for accurate information, and building trust in the healthcare system. Mulombo also urged the country to explore collaborations and potential partnerships with international organisations and partners to address immunisation challenges through funding, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of setting goals for future immunisation rates to provide a roadmap for improvement and hold the government accountable for achieving these targets. Increased disease outbreaks and long-term health implications are potential consequences of low immunisation rates.
The legislative retreat aims to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. It provides an overview of the status of Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting challenges and areas for improvement, and discusses key issues and challenges in the health sector, such as financing, social protection, and the implementation of health initiatives. The retreat also addresses the roles and responsibilities of legislators in addressing these challenges and emphasises accountability, transparency, and responsibility in the health sector. (NAN)