The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), a non-governmental, apolitical, not-for-profit professional association of medical doctors, who are specialists in the care of children is deeply saddened by the current anti-immunization rumours making rounds across the country. It is being insinuated in some quarters that children are being injected with monkey pox virus. While we these rumours are unfounded and untrue, the rate of spread and negative impact on childhood immunization in Nigeria is of great concern to the entire membership of PAN, as advocates for children. 

 

The current crisis of confidence has the potential to reverse the gains made through the Child Survival Strategies that took us decades to achieve. It will be great disservice to the Nigerian Child to be denied them immunization, as provided in the National Programme on Immunisation {NPI}. Vaccines are safe, cost –effective, life-saving and protect the future generation. 

 

 

PAN aligns with the statement of the Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, the press release by the Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency {NPHCDA}, Dr Faisal Shuab and the Federal Government on this issue. 

 

Paediatric Association of Nigeria reassures all Nigerians of the safety and immense benefits of immunization and calls on parents and caregivers, religious and traditional rulers, civil society organization (CSOs) to rise up and defend immunization against every threat, so our children can survive, thrive and have a better future. 

 

Long Live Paediatric Association of Nigeria

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

Ngozi Ibeziako

National President

 

Agozie C. Ubesie

National Secretary