By Michael Peter, The Sight News
Abuja-As part of strategic plan to bridge immunization gap in the country, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA has inaugurated the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Center, NERICC.
The Center is saddled with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and ensuring the attainment of the country’s national target of 85% coverage for routine immunization within the shortest possible time.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shauib said the center is to provide a national and subnational coordination mechanism to manage the full implementation of the routine immunization programs, strategies and other recommendation of various expert committees.
Dr. Faisal Shauib noted that the Center’s funding will come from the nation’s government with contributions and support from donors and partners.
He also said the center will “strengthen leadership and accountability by implementing clear accountability mechanisms where people (government, partner and organizations) are held accountable for results and achievement of overall program goals”.
The ED expressed optimism that the Center will proffer solutions towards addressing the various challenges that have confronted the Expanded Program on Immunization efforts and accelerate the control of vaccine preventable diseases.
