Elumelu upholds importance of immunisation to diseases prevention
Awele Elumelu, GAVI Champion for Africa and founder, Avon Medical Practice, has reiterated the role of immunisation as a sure way to prevent diseases, save the children and advance the economy.
She said this when she joined other global health leaders at a photo exhibition organised by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for increased vaccine coverage in under-immunised nations.
Following the announcement of Dr. Elumelu as GAVI Champion for Immunisation in Africa made earlier in January 2018 on the sidelines of the global World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the GAVI Photo Exhibition convened GAVI representatives who reiterated their commitment to saving the lives of children around the world.
Speaking at the event tagged “Vaccine Heroes”, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, Elumelu commended the great efforts and achievements by the Vaccine Heroes, health workers and the GAVI team in spreading the message and adoption of immunisation globally.
“Immunisation is one sure way to prevent diseases, save our children and advance our economy. It is an honour to champion the importance of immunisation that saves the lives of children around Africa and the world. I am particularly pleased to be doing so with innovative organisations like the ones that make up the Gavi Alliance,” she said.
She further harped on the importance of the health of children and committed to working with the global Vaccine Alliance to expand the coverage of immunisation across Africa and in her native country, Nigeria.
“In our own capacity, at Avon Medical and Avon HMO, we are working to provide quality, effective and accessible healthcare and insurance to most citizens in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. This is our Group’s way of contributing to the work of GAVI. I look forward to doing more work and bringing about more private and public partnerships to promote immunisation and better coverage for children in and out of Africa,” she said.
Organised by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the event had in attendance Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general, World Health Organisation (WHO), who spoke about the importance of vaccines as the backbone of health systems.
Other global health sector in attendance included Anuradha Gupta, deputy CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; Clemens Adams, director, United Nations; and Seth Berkley, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.