Pfizer Restates Need To Restore, Strengthen Immunization Services In Nigeria

After over two years of immunization backsliding caused by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, has reiterated the need for countries, to catch-up, restore and strengthen immunization services to reach the millions of people missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines and stop outbreaks from accelerating.

The medical director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer, Kodjo Soroh, who made the call, in a press statement, made available to LEADERSHIP, averred that vaccines underpin the world’s global health security by preventing and controlling over 30 infectious diseases, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and controlling infectious disease outbreaks.

“We should not forget that they are one of the world’s most powerful and cost-effective public health tools available and have successfully helped to eradicate, eliminate, and manage many deadly infectious diseases.

Smallpox has been eradicated and polio is nearly gone. Cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated,” Soroh explained.

He reiterated that vaccines also play a critical role in combatting antimicrobial resistance as they can reduce antibiotic use by preventing bacterial infections in the first place, such as with the pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines, adding that, they can also prevent viral infections such as flu, which can provoke secondary infections requiring antibiotics.

Each April, stakeholders around the world come together to commemorate Immunization Week by highlighting the importance of vaccines to the health of people of all ages. In recognition of this historic moment for immunization, World Immunization Week 2023 will mark the beginning of a year-long campaign with the theme “The Big Catch-up,” representing a global push to vaccinate millions of children and return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels.

Pfizer takes the time to celebrate the impact of vaccines, the medical director said, adding that this year’s Immunization Week is no exception even in the midst of heightened concern and apprehension around the status of vaccination programs around the world.

The medical director however lamented that many viruses and bacteria still present a serious health risk, even as he assured that Pfizer will continue to focus on research and development in new areas, with the goal of adding more approved vaccines to tackle pathogens.

Pfizer has a long history in vaccine research and development, including a pivotal role in the eradication of polio and smallpox, Soroh said, adding that, through the development of innovative delivery systems and technologies, known as novel vaccines, Pfizer has created innovations for preventing deadly bacterial infections.

“Global vaccination coverage figures are looking up, but they still mask huge inequalities that we cannot afford to ignore. To help protect as many people as possible from life-threatening illness, we are working to develop and distribute vaccines throughout the world. We have already seen that by channeling resources to the most promising public health opportunities, we can have an impact across all areas of life,” Soroh averred.