The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) shows that Immunization coverage in Nigeria is below the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) goals.
The survey shows that only 36% of children aged 12- 23 months received all recommended vaccines, while 18% did not receive any.
This was contained in a statement signed by Media and Communication Manager, Save the Children International Nigeria, Kunle Olawoyin issued to commemorate World Immunization Week.
According to the statement, the situation is putting a substantial number of children at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, with about 1 in 10 children in Nigeria dying before their 5th birthday.
“Findings of the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) & National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS) carried out by the NBS as part of the global MICS program, shows that the infant mortality rate is 63 deaths per 1,000 live births for the 5 years preceding the survey, while the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) for the same period is 102 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“The neonatal mortality rate is 34 deaths per 1000 live births.
“Child mortality is 42 deaths per 1,000 live births. The under-5 mortality rate of children born in the poorest households (133 per 1000) was nearly three times the under-5 mortality rate for children born in the richest households (47 per 1000.”
Acting Country Director, Save the Children International, SCI, Nigeria, Faton Krasniqi said there was an urgent need to empower Ward Development Committees (WDC) at the sub-national level to drive accountability processes, as well as promote community action to improve community engagement to increase uptake of routine immunization services in Nigeria.
“Stakeholders should strive to ensure that no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday,” he added.
He urged governments and stakeholders at all levels to accelerate actions toward reducing and ending the under-5 mortality rate of children from vaccine-preventable diseases.