The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have urged the Federal Government to equip health facilities with adequate vaccines to help increase the rate of immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The association also advocated for compulsory immunisation of all health workers.

Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, Chairman, NANNM, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chapter, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

She spoke against the backdrop of the 2017 World Immunisation Week which ended on April 28.

Adelaja said: “Some of the vaccines used in the country are expensive because they are imported.

“Government should resuscitate our research centers and fund them adequately; this way, they can do more research by using plants that are available in the country to invent vaccines.

“Such invented vaccines can be available, affordable and effective in combating these diseases.

“The funds allocated for vaccines by governments are not enough and the funds donated by NGOs are mismanaged by the people in charge; either by diverting the fund or procuring the ones that are almost expiring.

“Also, government at all levels should provide adequate protective medical consumables and gadgets to both federal and state hospitals, as well as primary health centres.’’