IWD: Women’s Voices Vital in Strengthening Vaccination Campaigns — Chika Kemi Offor

IWD: Women’s Voices Vital in Strengthening Vaccination Campaigns — Chika Kemi Offor

The Chief Executive Officer of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Chika Kemi Offor, has called for stronger involvement of women in vaccine advocacy and community health programmes, saying their participation is critical to improving immunization coverage and protecting families from preventable diseases.

Offor made the call while speaking on the significance of International Women's Day, stressing that women remain at the centre of healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

According to her, women are often the primary caregivers and the ones who ensure children receive routine vaccines at primary healthcare centres.

“Women are the caregivers and the closest to the children. They are the ones who take their children to the health centre for vaccination. When a woman understands the value of vaccines, nothing will stop her from protecting her child,” she said.

Explaining the philosophy behind the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Offor noted that the organization views development through a broader lens, describing anything that promotes growth as a “vaccine” and anything that hinders progress as a “disease.”

She said denying girls access to education or healthcare should be considered a social disease, while empowering them with knowledge and opportunities acts as a “vaccine” against poverty and inequality.

“Education is a vaccine against poverty. When a girl child goes to school, she becomes empowered to be the best version of herself,” she said.

Offor, who also serves as National Vice President of Business and Professional Women Nigeria, emphasized that International Women's Day is a time for women to advocate for justice, empowerment and stronger healthcare systems.

She urged parents to take advantage of the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provided by the Nigerian government for girls aged nine to protect them from cervical cancer.

The public health advocate said her passion for vaccination campaigns was partly inspired by the loss of her mother to cervical cancer, a disease that could often be prevented through early detection and vaccination.

“This is why we are urging women to take their daughters to receive the HPV vaccine. It is free and it protects them from cervical cancer,” she said.

Offor also highlighted the important role women can play in improving immunization coverage by raising awareness within their communities.

According to her, once women understand the benefits of vaccines, they naturally become advocates who encourage other mothers to immunize their children.

“Women are the voice of their communities. When they are knowledgeable, they create awareness and help ensure that children receive the vaccines they need,” she said.

She also urged women to demand better services from healthcare providers, noting that patients have rights when accessing medical care.

Offor further encouraged young women interested in public health and development work to start by volunteering and building capacity.

“Nothing is too big and nothing is too small. Start with small steps, volunteer, and build experience. The lessons you learn through community service will shape your future,” she added.

She concluded by urging women across the world to continue supporting one another and using their collective voice to drive positive change.

“It is our time to shine. We give to gain, and we must continue to support each other so that our voices are heard,” Offor said.