Burden and trends of vaccine-preventable diseases among under-five children in the federal capital territory

Background: Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a major cause of morbidity among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries despite the availability of effective vaccines. In Nigeria, periodic outbreaks of measles and the continued occurrence of other VPDs indicate persistent gaps in disease prevention and surveillance. Evidence on the long-term burden and trends of VPDs at sub-national levels remains limited.

Objective: This study assessed the burden and temporal trends of selected vaccine-preventable diseases among under-five children in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using health facility morbidity and surveillance records of under-five children in public health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory from January 2015 to December 2024. Data on measles, pertussis, tuberculosis, neonatal tetanus, and acute flaccid paralysis were extracted using a standardized abstraction tool. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize disease burden, while temporal trends were examined using annual frequency distributions and line graphs.

Results: A total of 3,809 cases of selected vaccine-preventable diseases were reported during the study period. Measles accounted for the highest proportion of cases (37.2%), followed by tuberculosis (23.4%), acute flaccid paralysis (18.0%), pertussis (16.2%), and neonatal tetanus (4.5%). Measles cases increased steadily from 2015 and peaked in 2020 before declining gradually from 2021 to 2024. Tuberculosis demonstrated a relatively stable trend throughout the ten-year period, while neonatal tetanus showed a consistent decline. Acute flaccid paralysis reporting increased in the later years of the study, likely reflecting enhanced surveillance sensitivity.

Conclusion: Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to pose a significant public health burden among under-five children in the Federal Capital Territory, with measles remaining the most prevalent disease. Although progress has been observed in reducing neonatal tetanus, the persistent occurrence of measles, tuberculosis, and pertussis underscores the need for sustained strengthening of routine immunization services and disease surveillance systems.