The executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina has emphasised the critical role of a single vaccine dose in providing lifelong protection against yellow fever.
In an interview with Science Nigeria, Aina stressed the imperative nature of this vaccination strategy and called for collective efforts in the ongoing battle against the viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
Yellow fever, prevalent in tropical regions of Africa and South America, is characterised by symptoms such as fever, headache, jaundice and severe bleeding. Vaccination remains a highly effective preventive measure against the disease.
Aina shed light on the NPHCDA’s initiatives, detailing strategic measures to enhance awareness and ensure widespread access to the single vaccine dose. He emphasised that individual protection extends beyond personal well-being, contributing significantly to collective resilience against Yellow Fever. A proactive stance in advocating for this vaccination approach was taken, with a call to action for healthcare professionals, policymakers and the general public to unite in eradicating yellow fever.
“A single vaccine dose provides lifelong protection. Getting vaccinated not only safeguards you but also supports public health by preventing the spread of the disease. Stay informed and protected,” urged Aina. He highlighted the importance of complementary measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites, which transmit the virus.
The interview coincided with the release of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) situation report, indicating 193 suspected yellow fever cases reported in September 2023 across 104 local government areas in 27 states. Cumulatively, from January to September 2023, 2,203 suspected cases were reported in 492 LGAs across 36 states and the FCT. The report also emphasised the need for a concerted response to address the persisting threat of yellow fever.
Yellow fever, with its evolutionary origin in Africa, has been a recurring public health concern. Since September 2017, Nigeria has actively responded to successive yellow fever outbreaks, notifying confirmed cases to the World Health Organisation (WHO). A four-year national yellow fever preventive mass vaccination campaign (PMVC) plan is currently underway, supported by GAVI and partners, aiming for comprehensive coverage across all states by 2025.
Aina’s advocacy for a single yellow fever vaccine dose serves as a crucial message in the nation’s efforts to combat the disease. The NPHCDA’s strategic initiatives, combined with collaborative actions from healthcare stakeholders and the public, are pivotal in achieving the goal of lifelong protection against yellow fever. The call to stay informed, get vaccinated, and actively participate in preventive measures reflects a unified approach to public health vigilance.
