The Second Phase of the Yellow Fever PreventiveMass Vaccination Campaign (PMVC), the Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI)funded Vaccination campaign commenced on the 22nd of November. This campaign is also supported by the Federal Government and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The campaign is aimed at establishing a high population immunity to the epidemic nationwide. The targets of this campaign are between the ages 9months to 44years, and the areas of interest are Sokoto, Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, and Borno states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the campaign is expected to end on 1st of December.
"Parents are advised to avail themselves and their children to partake in the vaccination; the vaccine is free, safe and effective," said Dr. Joseph Oteri, Director of Special Duties at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
The Yellow fever virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes. However, can be prevented by vaccines. High fever, joint aches, and jaundice are noticable symptoms of the disease..
The WHO Regional Director for Africa said, "Immunizing more than 26 million people is a massive undertaking,"
"But this achievement will represent a huge step towards protecting people from the potentially deadly viral hemorrhagic disease not only in Nigeria but in the African region."
Also speaking, the CEO of GAVI, Dr. Seth Berkley said, "Nigeria is on the front line in the global battle against yellow fever,"
"Routine immunization coverage remains dangerously low, as shown by the latest outbreak, which is why this campaign is so important to protect the vulnerable. While this campaign will save lives, we need to focus our efforts on the best long-term solution-improving routine immunization coverage so every child is protected, preventing outbreaks from happening in the first place."
The first phase of the Yellow Fever PMVC took place in January and February 2018, at Kwara, Kogi and Zamfara states and parts of Borno state reaching approximately 8.7 million people. As a member of the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy, Nigeria has developed a 10-year plan to reduce the incidences of the disease.
