The Nigerian Ministry of Health is considering the adoption of a needle-free delivery method of immunisation to improve vaccine coverage and reduce costs.
This consideration follows a six-month study on the Tropis ID Needle-Free Injection System (NFIS), which demonstrated significant benefits in two pilot states.
Speaking on the study, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Oduh said the survey aligned with the third healthcare agenda of the minister which aims to unlock the healthcare value chain, leading to local manufacturing of medical equipment, help in policy formulation, and make health manufacturers keying into in-country manufacturing of healthcare services and devices.
“This study comes with a new strategy for vaccine administration and has been implemented through the instrumentality of evidence, and research. It is the first time a strategy is being implemented through research based on evidence generated locally. The benefits are obvious. It improves coverage of the targeted population, and also cost savings and feasibility, both healthcare workers and patients find it convenient. That conventional response that comes with the use of needles or vaccines is not there. We need to receive this report reviewed and see how it can influence policies.’’
Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Garuba Ahmed Rufai stated, “Innovations like this are welcome. This method reduces the discomfort associated with vaccination, potentially increasing immunisation rates. We’ll evaluate its benefits, costs, and ease of integration into existing programs.”
The study, involving 97,000 households in two states, found that the needle-free method improved IPV2 coverage by 11.2% compared to traditional needles. It also indicated that needle-free immunisation is cost-effective, offering savings of up to 47% compared to standard methods.
Mr. Labarre Paul, team lead for the project, noted, “Caregivers and healthcare workers highly value the needle-free approach. It’s preferred for its ease of use and safety, and it saves time compared to conventional methods.”
In September 2022, Nigeria received a multi-year grant from USAID to evaluate this innovative vaccination method in collaboration with Pharmajet, Jhpiego, PATH, Sydani Group, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. The promising results suggest a potential shift towards needle-free immunization could revolutionize vaccine delivery in Nigeria
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