GLOBAL HEALTH IMMUNISATION WORKSHOP NEW DELHI INDIA; POLIO ERADICATION: THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW, AFRICA, ASIA MUST REACH THE FINNISH LINE BY DR BETTA EDU.
To improve immunization coverage across the globe especially African
countries, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation through 3ie International
Initiative for Impact Evaluation held a Mid-term Learning and synthesis
Workshop from July 11-12, 2017 at Sheraton Hotel, New Delhi, India to
effectively find a way in eliminating Polio in Nigeria and two other
Asian countries.
Dr Betta Edu said despite the billions of dollars spent by the global health community, donors, governments among others, we are yet to achieve polio eradication in the world and millions of children still die every day from vaccine preventable diseases.
According to her the reasons are not far-fetched. Some new ‘distractions’ have surfaced on our level field to change the dynamics of the whole immunization global strategic plan. Sequel to this, new innovative strategies must be brought on board to address these distractions.
She said distraction like terrorism, insurgency and conflict in many countries including Nigeria has set the world back in its quest to achieve polio eradication. For example, areas affected by insurgency in Nigeria had cases of wild polio which deprived our country from being certified polio free.
" Heads of countries must encourage multi-sectoral collaborations between the health sector and security outfits in their countries; who should deliberately work together towards providing immunization services in fragile areas. There must be strong political and financial commitments to ending terrorism and insurgency as this has direct effect on health, immunization coverage and Child mortality associated with vaccines preventable diseases.
Furthermore, countries must refer back to their theory of change; which will inform movement of emphasis from periodic Immunization campaigns (which are very expensive) to improved Routine Immunizations through health system building.
Dr Edu said we cannot eradicate polio and reduce mortality associated with vaccines preventable diseases like measles if the health systems in our regions are not functional. We must be more innovative in designing immunization interventions for diverse populations taking advantage of technology available.
"We must intensify Immunization coverage in hard to reach areas, fragile regions affected by conflict, wars, insurgency, and natural disasters among others.
Immunization is the gate way for communities into our health system. It is basically one of the first health services that brings most children and families in contact with the health system. To achieve significant results, more funding should be appropriated to the health sector with increased focus on immunization. Interventions must be focused on participatory approaches and should be people oriented said the DG.
Continuing she said Health workers capacity must be built and incentives provided. More health workers should be employed where there is paucity. Sustainable interventions that can leave institutional memories by integrating Immunization interventions into existing health care systems should be our focus.
She mentioned Immunization push system practiced in Cross River State of Nigeria urge that the system be replicated in other parts of the African continent and Asia. The pro-health Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has shown strong political commitment to improving Immunization coverage in the state.
Dr Betta Edu said despite the billions of dollars spent by the global health community, donors, governments among others, we are yet to achieve polio eradication in the world and millions of children still die every day from vaccine preventable diseases.
According to her the reasons are not far-fetched. Some new ‘distractions’ have surfaced on our level field to change the dynamics of the whole immunization global strategic plan. Sequel to this, new innovative strategies must be brought on board to address these distractions.
She said distraction like terrorism, insurgency and conflict in many countries including Nigeria has set the world back in its quest to achieve polio eradication. For example, areas affected by insurgency in Nigeria had cases of wild polio which deprived our country from being certified polio free.
" Heads of countries must encourage multi-sectoral collaborations between the health sector and security outfits in their countries; who should deliberately work together towards providing immunization services in fragile areas. There must be strong political and financial commitments to ending terrorism and insurgency as this has direct effect on health, immunization coverage and Child mortality associated with vaccines preventable diseases.
Furthermore, countries must refer back to their theory of change; which will inform movement of emphasis from periodic Immunization campaigns (which are very expensive) to improved Routine Immunizations through health system building.
Dr Edu said we cannot eradicate polio and reduce mortality associated with vaccines preventable diseases like measles if the health systems in our regions are not functional. We must be more innovative in designing immunization interventions for diverse populations taking advantage of technology available.
"We must intensify Immunization coverage in hard to reach areas, fragile regions affected by conflict, wars, insurgency, and natural disasters among others.
Immunization is the gate way for communities into our health system. It is basically one of the first health services that brings most children and families in contact with the health system. To achieve significant results, more funding should be appropriated to the health sector with increased focus on immunization. Interventions must be focused on participatory approaches and should be people oriented said the DG.
Continuing she said Health workers capacity must be built and incentives provided. More health workers should be employed where there is paucity. Sustainable interventions that can leave institutional memories by integrating Immunization interventions into existing health care systems should be our focus.
She mentioned Immunization push system practiced in Cross River State of Nigeria urge that the system be replicated in other parts of the African continent and Asia. The pro-health Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has shown strong political commitment to improving Immunization coverage in the state.
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