IMMUNIZATION AND PRIMARY HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

The health sector is the most critical to national, economic and social development of Nigeria. Adequate supply and efficiency of health facilities is not only a strategic input for national development but it is undoubtedly the most vital input in transforming the health sectorfor national, economic and social development. Nigeria for many years has invested Billion of naira yet the cost continues to escalate even with the billions of naira spent on immunization to eradicate polio and other disease yet Nigerians are yet to enjoy the basic necessities of health life. It is against this background that this work seeks to explore the nature and character of primary health sector, Immunization and primary health care in Nigeria. To address this problem therefore, the study adopted a survey research design. The main instrument utilized for eliciting primary and secondary data was the survey questionnaire complimented by interviews. The method of data analysis used was simple percentage. World system theory was used as a framework of analysis. The finding revealed that the Politics of Immunization funding have not significant impact on Primary health care delivery in Nigeria. As the funds invested are purely capitalist money seeking profit, Primary health Care Development in Nigeria has recorded little or no improvement, even with the availability of local and international funding for Immunization in Nigeria and also Primary Health Care delivery in Nigeria survival is largely dependent on International Supports. Loans, grants technological advancement and other humanitarian supports most importantly lack government funding and political will to develop our own scientific approach to our health issues. The study therefore recommended that among others, the federal government should do more in terms of developing the health sector, Government at all levels in Nigeria should be charged to re-orient prospective political office holders on the importance of the health of her citizens, especially pregnant women and children under the age of five years and the current classification of countries based on its health indices.