Child immunisation in Nigerian state jumps from 1.7 to 77 per cent as a result of EU project

The EU-PRIME (EU Partnership to reinforce immunisation efficiency) programme helped increase routine immunisation in Kebbi State, Nigeria from less than 1.7 per cent in 2003 to 77 per cent in 2009, one of the highest in the country.

This success story is revealed in a press pack published by the European Commission on World Health Day (7 April, 2010). With €97.4M in EU funds available overall 2002-2009, the programme supported the immunisation of children under five in Nigeria against preventable diseases.

Other achievements highlighted by the publication include: an increase in commitment by the government and communities to routine immunisation; an 80 per cent rise in routine immunisation coverage; training of over 73,000 health workers; and a 97 percent increase in health facilities conducting, reporting and developing communications strategies for routine immunisation.

EU-PRIME covered 17 Nigerian states (beginning with 6 focal states). Its two main tasks were to back polio eradication and strengthen systems for the delivery of routine immunisation services. Funding was provided for primary healthcare centres, staff and management training and the installation and maintenance of cold-chain equipment storing vaccines. Though initially negatively perceived in Kebbi State due to rumours that the programme could affect women’s fertility, cooperation with local leaders and the parents of immunised children ensured its progress.

In addition to polio, other preventable diseases covered by the programme included diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles, hepatitis and meningitis. Cheap vaccines can prevent such diseases and the risks of epidemics, disability and a debilitating sense of vulnerability in the lives of those affected.

As the Kebbi State Immunisation Officer notes in the publication, national commitment to enhance routine immunisation remains, and there is still much to be done following the conclusion of the programme in June 2009: “Right now the commitment I have is strengthened by the government’s support. They are working hard towards sustainability because they want to own the programme. I want to believe that they will be more committed if they know they are the owners rather than the partner agency.”

More information:

Click here for the press pack.

Click here to view a video on the project.