Paediatricians Hails 300 Immunisation Champions

From right to left: IPA Executive Director, Dr. Naveen Thacker; PAN President, Prof. Ekanem Ekure (middle); and IPA President, Prof. Joseph Haddad @ the Stakeholders Consultative Forum on HPV recently.

The president of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof. Ekanem Ekure, has applauded more than 300 immunisation champions nationwide for their role in advancing HPV vaccination and strengthening child health advocacy in Nigeria.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, Ekure said the champions drawn from all 36 states and the FCT were instrumental in boosting community awareness and supporting the national rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

“For me to stand here before this wonderful audience comprising our champions, I say without mincing words that they have made a significant difference to the work of my administration in the last two years. If the champions had disappointed, I don’t think the IPA president or the executive director would be in this room today,” she said.

Ekure noted that since February 2024, collaboration between PAN and the International Pediatric Association (IPA), supported by the Gates Foundation, has led to the training of more than 300 immunisation champions and over 600 health workers, reaching more than one million people through advocacy.

She added that the champions’ efforts contributed to the vaccination of more than 12 million girls during Nigeria’s national HPV rollout one of the highest coverage figures globally.

“As the world pushes towards eliminating cervical cancer, the successful introduction and routinisation of HPV vaccination into our national schedule is a historic stride. Our under-five mortality rate remains at 110 per 1,000 live births, and zero-dose children are at 31 per cent. PAN will not relent until preventable deaths are eliminated,” she said.

The PAN president disclosed that the Gates Foundation has extended the IPA grant for another three years, with the next phase focusing on new vaccine introductions, schedule changes, reducing zero-dose rates, and improving vaccine confidence.

She also announced the relocation of PAN’s national office to Gimbia Street, Garki, Abuja, directly opposite the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, to deepen collaboration.

Ekure further revealed that the association’s flagship conference, TAG-PACOF Gateway 2026, will hold from January 21–23 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with emphasis on financing child healthcare and technology-driven paediatric solutions.

IPA president, Prof. Joseph Haddad, praised Nigeria for setting a global benchmark in community mobilisation for immunisation.

“This is the best example I have witnessed in my tenure. Africa is in the heart of IPA, and what you have achieved here will shape the Kigali Meeting in 2027, which will focus on African children and their rights,” he said.

Haddad also disclosed that the IPA is in discussions with the Government of Rwanda to host a World Summit for Children and Adolescents in September 2027.

IPA executive director, Dr. Naveen Thacker, said Nigeria’s achievements under the initial Gates Foundation grant paved the way for an expanded grant covering six countries, including Ghana, Liberia and Angola.

“You are now the world leaders in how to create community immunisation engagement. Nigeria has shown what works, and your responsibility has only increased,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to broaden their focus beyond HPV, saying each participating country must align its immunisation priorities with national health goals.

Nigeria, he added, is expected to present progress updates on the new project phase at upcoming global IPA meetings.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Senior Scientific Officer, Mr. Gimba Ezekiel, commended PAN, NPHCDA and partners for their resilience and commitment to adolescent health.