By Williams ABAH
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has expressed commitment to help in addressing gaps in routine immunisation coverage across Nigeria.
National Chairman of ACPN, Adewale Oladigbolu, said community pharmacists remain very critical to routine immunisation in the country.
Oladigbolu spoke in Abuja on Monday ahead of the association’s forthcoming 42nd Annual Scientific Conference scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State.
According to him, community pharmacists being the closest healthcare professionals to the people have an important role to play in primary healthcare services, especially in the area of routine immunisation.
He further stressed the importance of the role played by ACPN in the healthcare systems, particularly, the attainment of the 2030 Universal Health Coverage target.
Oladigbolu noted that with universal health coverage becoming a global priority, it is essential to recognise the significant contribution of community pharmacists and explore ways to enhance their services.
He disclosed that the country has highly trained and competent community pharmacists within communities, but has not made good use of them.
“For example, vaccination coverage in Nigeria, even in urban centres, I am sure is still less than 50 per cent of complete routine immunisation. In rural areas, it is still less than 15 per cent.
“So, what we are saying is that wherever community pharmacists are located, they can help you bridge the numbers in terms of routine immunisation. That is why we are talking about the primary healthcare system. Routine immunisation is a primary healthcare service,” he said.
Data from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and National Immunisation Coverage Survey revealed that at least 64 per cent of children between ages 12-23 months in Nigeria did not receive all recommended vaccines in the last five years.