The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has underscored the vital role of women in immunisation and health policy in Nigeria as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025.
Speaking at the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) International Women’s Day Symposium in Abuja, VNDC CEO, Mrs. Chika Offor emphasised the connection between women’s empowerment, maternal and child health and vaccine uptake.
Offor noted that economically and socially empowered women are more likely to ensure their children receive life-saving vaccinations. She called for increased female participation in health policy decision-making, stressing that women, as natural caregivers and community mobilisers, hold significant influence in driving immunisation uptake.
“If we strengthen their leadership in this space, we can achieve higher vaccine coverage and better health outcomes,” she said.
She encouraged women to take active roles in advocating for better immunisation policies, engaging with policymakers and leveraging mentorship programmes to increase vaccine awareness at the community level.
To support this effort, Offor announced a six-month mentorship programme for an aspiring female leader interested in health advocacy and nonprofit leadership. The initiative aims to equip women with the necessary skills to influence public health policies and promote grassroots immunisation efforts.
“Through this mentorship program, we want to build a network of women who can drive conversations on vaccine access, policy reforms, and community health solutions,” she added.
She further stated that VNDC plans to expand its mentorship and advocacy programs in 2025 by working closely with government agencies, community leaders and civil society groups to ensure that women’s perspectives shape Nigeria’s immunisation policies.
“We need to move from rhetoric to action. Investing in women’s leadership in health policy isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do for Nigeria’s future,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, NCWS national president, Princess Edna Azura decried persistent gaps in implementing national and international policies aimed at ensuring equality and protecting women’s rights in Nigeria.
Azura commended VNDC’s initiative, emphasising that women’s involvement in health policy is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She pointed out that while progress has been made in immunisation, significant gaps remain in rural and underserved communities, where mothers’ voices can have a profound impact on vaccine acceptance.
“When women at the grassroots level are empowered with knowledge and leadership roles, they become champions for immunisation and health equity,” she stated.
Aisha Bello, a beneficiary of VNDC’s past advocacy efforts and mother of three from the Federal Capital Territory, shared her experience:
“Before I joined a VNDC awareness programme, I was hesitant about vaccines. But after learning from other women in my community, I made sure all my children got their routine immunisations. Now, I encourage other mothers to do the same.”
The symposium reinforced the message that women are not just beneficiaries of health policies – they must be active participants in shaping them.
As Nigeria works to improve immunisation coverage and strengthen its healthcare system, harnessing the power of women’s voices in policy discussions remains essential for sustainable progress.
On March 8, 2025, Nigeria will join the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
This year’s theme calls for concrete actions to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, paving the way for a feminist future where no one is left behind.
