AFENET PROJECT
Strengthening Measles & Rubella Outbreak Preparedness, and Surveillance in Nigeria.
Measles remains a major cause of vaccine‑preventable morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, driven by immunity gaps, weak surveillance in some settings, delayed outbreak response, and operational challenges in insecure and hard‑to‑reach areas. Recurrent outbreaks, sub‑optimal campaign quality, laboratory backlogs, and limited surge capacity at sub‑national levels necessitated a coordinated, technically strong, and sustainable response. This project was designed to address these gaps by supporting the Nigerian public health system in strengthening integrated campaign delivery, surveillance, laboratory performance, data use, and outbreak response capacity.
About the Vaccine Safety Project
Dr Lillian Okeke the Lead of the Vaccine Safety project gives a brief overview about the project.
The Challenge
Immunization programs depend on public trust. In Nigeria, fragmented reporting systems, weak coordination between health agencies, and limited public awareness have made it difficult to quickly detect and respond to vaccine-related events. This project addresses these gaps to maintain confidence in vaccines.
We use a collaborative, technology-driven approach:
- Digital Tools: Harmonizing data from platforms like DHIS2 (NPHCDA), SORMAS (NCDC), and the MedSafety App (NAFDAC) for real-time reporting.
- Coordination Bodies: Working through the National AEFI Technical Working Group and National Expert Committee for joint investigation and decision-making.
- Communication: Employing newsletters, animation videos, and guides translated into local languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin) for effective public and health worker engagement.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Using a results-based framework with regular reviews to track progress and adapt strategies.
Our Program in numbers
MR Consultants at State leve and multiple LGA‑level MSTs supported
5 communication tools produced, including local-language guides.
1 national AEFI Technical Working Group reactivated to provide oversight.
Our Aproach
- Digital Tools: Harmonizing data from platforms like DHIS2 (NPHCDA), SORMAS (NCDC), and the MedSafety App (NAFDAC) for real-time reporting.
- Coordination Bodies: Working through the National AEFI Technical Working Group and National Expert Committee for joint investigation and decision-making.
- Communication: Employing newsletters, animation videos, and guides translated into local languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin) for effective public and health worker engagement.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Using a results-based framework with regular reviews to track progress and adapt strategies.
Impact so Far
Improved campaign readiness and coordination across supported states
Faster availability and use of surveillance and laboratory data for action
Strengthened outbreak preparedness capacity at national and sub‑national levels
Capacity for states and LGAs to find the root causes of their measles outbreaks
Enhanced accountability and performance tracking through dashboards and KPIs
Strengthening Vaccine Safety in Nigeria: Highlights from the Lagos Workshop
From July 14–18, 2025, public health leaders, medical experts, and partners gathered in Lagos for the AEFI & Vaccine-Related Events (VRE) Response Plan Development Workshop, a critical step toward improving vaccine safety systems in Nigeria.
Current Phase:
Implementation
Partners:
U.S CDC
WHO
UNICEF
NPHCDA
SMOH
AFENET
Key Activities
Inauguration of the AEFI Technical Working Group-Strengthening readiness and coordination
Between September and December 2025, Nigeria made significant strides in strengthening vaccine safety—demonstrating what is possible when strong partnerships, smart systems, and clear accountability come together.
A premiere address in Toronto’s Financial District, 160 Front Street West is a 46-story structural steel-framed commercial office tower designed to add a distinctive silhouette to the City’s skyline. Although complex.
About the Vaccine Safety Project
Dissemination of AEFI & Vaccine-related Evets (VRE)
A premiere address in Toronto’s Financial District, 160 Front Street West is a 46-story structural steel-framed commercial office tower designed to add a distinctive silhouette to the City’s skyline. Although complex
Project Resources
AEFI & VRE Baseline Assessment Findings
VRE Response Plan, Nigeria
Job aid: AEFI Reporting for Healthcare Workers
Job aid: AEFI Information for Caregivers
