Vaccines are extremely cost-effective, giving kids a healthy start in life and supporting the economic and educational foundations of entire communities – Seth Berkeley
Nigeria faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including high inflation, frequent power outages, and other hardships. However, even in these trying times, it is essential to recognize the vital role of vaccines and vaccination. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “The first wealth is health.”
Over the years, vaccines have proven to be extremely cost-effective. By protecting children and adults, vaccines contribute directly to a healthy workforce, essential for any nation’s long-term development and prosperity. A 2024 report by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) revealed that adult vaccination programs can yield up to 19 times their initial investment, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance workforce productivity.
Efforts to improve vaccine uptake are gaining momentum, as vaccination against malaria, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other vaccine-preventable diseases are currently in progress, according to the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
What are some of the vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria?
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a toxin-releasing bacterium that forms a sheath-like covering around the upper respiratory tract, making breathing and other respiratory functions difficult. The toxin may also affect the skin in rare cases. The disease-causing organism, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, spreads rapidly from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The common symptoms include fever, swollen neck glands, and a sore throat. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated with the 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine to give maximum protection against the disease. Unvaccinated children, adults, and health workers are at risk of contracting this disease.
Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, found in contaminated food and water. Eating and drinking from untrusted sources, full and leaking septic tanks, and a lack of proper sanitation and environmental hygiene put one at risk of contracting this disease. Commonly characterised by rice-water stooling and, in some cases, vomiting, the disease is capable of causing severe dehydration if not quickly treated. As first aid, a person could be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS), however, vaccination is the ultimate in reducing the risk of contracting this disease.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the skin, the genital area, and the throat. The name refers to a group of 200 known viruses with varying degrees of risk. They usually do not cause concern because the body can control the infection by itself, without treatment, however, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types could cause genital warts and the development of abnormal cells, which can later lead to cervical cancer.
This disease can spread through sexual intercourse with an infected person. Condoms can help prevent this infectious disease, however, as they do not cover the entire genital area, vaccination is strongly advised. The disease mostly affects women and girls, and constant screening of the cervix is advised to allow for early detection and prevention.
It is important to note that the HPV vaccine is not used to treat infections caused by the virus, but is used to prevent the development of cancerous cells that could cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is particularly crucial in combating cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women, and is available in public and private healthcare centres.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Chronic infection with this virus is one of the leading causes of liver cancer globally. The virus attacks the liver and causes a chronic infection, putting people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The virus can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth and can also be contracted through contact with infected sharp objects, and body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen from an infected person. Most people do not show symptoms when newly infected, however, some common symptoms are jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine, and pain in the abdomen.
The vaccine is given to a newborn within 24 hours after birth, and after that, the child needs 2 to 3 doses at least 4 weeks apart to ensure protection against hepatitis B. Booster vaccines may not be necessary if one completes the 3 doses. The vaccine can protect a person for 20 years or throughout their lifetime.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through infected mosquito bites. While it can cause epidemics, it is preventable with a vaccine.
When infected, many individuals are asymptomatic, but early symptoms resemble those of malaria, including fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite, generally resolving in 3 to 4 days. However, a small percentage of patients may enter a toxic phase within 24 hours of recovery, facing high fever, liver and kidney issues, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and potential bleeding. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people above 9 months of age. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or adults above 60 years.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It easily spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can lead to severe illness, complications, and even death. While it can affect anyone, it is most common in children. The virus primarily infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash. Vaccination is the best way to prevent both contracting measles and spreading it to others. The vaccine is safe and helps your body combat the virus. Symptoms of measles typically begin 10 to 14 days after exposure. A prominent rash is the most noticeable symptom.
You might wonder why Lassa fever is not here, but there is yet to be a confirmed vaccine for Lassa Fever, as scientists are continuously conducting research and performing clinical trials to come up with the most suitable vaccine for this disease. You can read about the latest clinical trial on the Lassa Fever vaccine in Nigeria here.
In conclusion, vaccines are a safe and indispensable strategy in protecting public health. They ensure that the needs and rights of everyone is upheld by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Continued commitment to vaccination will not only save lives but also bolster the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future in Nigeria.
