Posted on: Tue 05-04-2022

A consultant public health physician, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, has said pneumococcal disease is not getting the required attention, in spite of the challenges arising from the disease burden.

Adeyeye, who is also a pulmonologist and a Professor of Medicine at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, said this during a virtual meeting on Adult Vaccination organised by Pfizer Biopharmaceutical firm.

The expert noted that pneumococcal diseases are public health concern globally and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

She said that a World Health Organisation data revealed that 10 countries in Africa and Asia were among those with the highest numbers of pneumococcal infections globally.

The don said the data showed that Nigeria accounts for five per cent of the total burden, holding a third place after India and China.

“The population of Nigerians affected with pneumococcal disease is worrisome; the infection leads to hospitalisation which has a significant economic impact on the patients; the disease can result in meningitis, as eight out of nine persons that have meningitis arising from bacterial pneumococcal die from the infection.

“Significant proportion of mortality from pneumococcal disease occurs among the elderly, especially those with co-morbidities. Therefore, preventive measures through pneumococcal vaccination in adults should be intensified.

“Vaccines are readily available, but data, funding, adequate awareness and mobilisation should be intensified to enhance vaccine uptake. There is the need to erase the notion that vaccines are for children and pregnant women. Vaccines are important strategy that prevents people from being sick.” Adeyeye added.

Also, the Head of Geriatrics Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Ogugua Osiogbu, said adult vaccination was crucial and should be up-to-date, noting that immunity from childhood vaccines could wear off over time.

Osiogbu, a Consultant Physician, said vaccination reduces the incidence of disease among populations as well as the social and economic burden of the disease on communities.

“Every year, thousands of adults in Nigeria become severely ill and are hospitalised because of diseases that vaccines can help prevent.

“Many adults even die from these diseases. It is harrowing when I see young Nigerians die from liver disease which could be prevented through Hepatitis B vaccine.

“By getting vaccinated, a lot of people can help protect themselves from much of this unnecessary suffering,” she said.

She listed some adult vaccines to include Hepatitis A and B vaccines, Tetanus vaccine, Meningitis vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, among others.

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