By Chioma Obinna

As the World Immunisation Week ended weekend, the World Health Organisation, WHO, raised alarm that 18.7 million infants (1 in 5 children) worldwide are still missing routine immunisations for preventable diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

This came on the heels of the recent removal of Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries.

In 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide but through improved immunisation the country is now a step closer to being certified by WHO.

In a statement to highlights recent gains in immunisation coverage, WHO also stated that not less than three million deaths can be averted through immunisation annually.