Country of Focus: Nigeria 

As a matter of preference, I will be selecting “Invest in an information system that identifies and tracks each person’s vaccination status” out of the nine GRISP transformative investments.

Evidence-based data gathering and information system present in Nigeria, identifying and tracking each person’s vaccination status still remains an uphill task. Information obtained from highly reliable monitoring systems play a vital role in immunization surveillance. Since decisions made across aboard, from national to sub-national levels are to be based on first-hand data obtained from the field, programme officers should be equipped with the necessary skills for obtaining, reviewing, and interpreting data in a bid to further identify specific needs as regards tracking and determining each person’s vaccination status.

These GRISP related strategies are relevant to the above selected transformative investment;

Design services to reach all equitably
Build capacity of vaccinators and managers
Secure political commitment and partnerships
Ensure vaccine quality and availability
Integrate immunization services
Plan a budget and mobilize resources
Monitor programme performance and disease occurrence

Of the above-listed strategies, I’ve chosen to prioritize three (3) namely;

Design services to reach all equitably
Build capacity of vaccinators and managers
Monitor programme performance and disease occurrence

Design services to reach all equitably – Inaccessibility of individuals especially labour migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vaccines constitute a setback, for which innovative approaches should be adopted and deployed. Setting up sustainable, mobile vaccination units across violence prone locations will achieve the goal of reaching all equitably and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Build capacity of vaccinators and managers – Developing the skills of vaccinators guarantee knowledge transfer on the importance of immunization, especially as it applies to the locale. Such periodic training build their capacity thereby strengthening the performance and support provided.

Monitor programme performance and disease occurrence – Mobile technology should be leveraged in monitoring coverage, disease occurrence, as well as receiving feedback.