Vaccine-preventable Diseases: An Examination of Measles and Polio in Nigeria

• Main Authors: Michael O. S. Afolabi, Ikeolu O. Afolabi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The International Academic Forum 2013-12-01
• Series: IAFOR Journal of the Social Sciences
• Subjects: measles; Nigeria; polio; vaccination
• Online Access: https://iafor.org/journal/iafor-journal-of-the-social-sciences/volume-1-issue-1/article-2/

Vaccination remains one of the most effective and economical public health measures for preventing disabilities and deaths. Whereas the widespread approach to the use of vaccines ensures the control of an array of infectious diseases, developing countries continue to grapple with the burdens of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) with their attendant bearing on childhood mortality. This paper examines the state of affairs in Nigeria in the context of measles and polio. We argue that Nigeria still faces the health challenges posed by VPDs not only because there are social, cultural and political obstacles but largely because there has been an underutilization of epistemic resources as well as a sustained dependence on foreign sources for vaccine production and supply. Therefore, the paper suggests and explores a cost-effective approach that links the unmet vaccination needs in Nigeria to a largely Nigerian initiative towards a solution.