World Immunization week: Chika Offor calls for Collaboration, Awareness Creation

World Immunization week: Chika Offor calls for Collaboration, Awareness Creation 

Nigerians have been called to support the government in creating awareness on the importance of vaccine in the country. Chika Oluwakemi Offor, made this call at a Press Conference to commemorate 2025 World and African Immunization week in Abuja.

Chika Oluwakemi Offor, is the CEO Vaccine Network for Disease Control, a local NGO that focuses on health for all. According to her, “we believe that anything that obstruct development is a disease and anything that supports development is a vaccine.”

She noted that this week is African and World Vaccination Week, adding that women are the missing link. They must be included to benefit.

Mrs Offor who is an expert in vaccines and immunization is excited to educate and enlighten the public.

In her words:

“Many of you do not know about small pox because of vaccine. Vaccine saves lives and prevent diseases. It is the fastest way to save life.”

It is easier to prevent than to cure. We use this week to create awareness on the various diseases vaccine can prevent. We are creating awareness and collaborating with key stakeholders in the society.This whole week is important to educate people on the importance of vaccine.”

‘Mrs Offor used the opportunity to call on the Media, NGOs, Corporate bodies, the government and other stakeholders to join hands to support immunization week.”

She maintained that this week is meant to create awareness on the importance of vaccine.

She said, “HPV vaccine is for young girls between the ages of 9 to 14year. The vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent HPV infection and related cancers like cervical cancer. It is recommended for girls aged 9-14, and ideally given before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is also recommended for other age groups and for both males and females.

African and World Immunization Week is celebrated on April, 24-30 of every year. The aim is to promote the life-saving power of immunization to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Research shows that vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. It has reduced infant deaths by 40%, and more children now live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history. Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.

More lives are now being saved, among people of all ages, with more recent vaccines against malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola and mpox, reflecting an era of massive scientific advancements in vaccine development and delivery.