Health stakeholders and public health advocates have called on the Federal Government to urgently release outstanding vaccine funds and prioritise local production as part of a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s immunisation systems and health security.
The call was made on Monday during a high-level immunisation financing press conference in Abuja. Themed “Future of Immunisation Financing: Leaving No One Behind,” the event was organised by the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) in partnership with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).
Stakeholders voiced concern over the unpredictable nature of vaccine funding in the country, warning that the health and survival of millions of Nigerian children hang in the balance due to delayed financial commitments.
Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed the urgency of timely vaccine financing.
“Vaccine funding must be like sunlight – reliable, consistent, and timely,” Oloriegbe said. “A child born today cannot wait for the next quarter’s capital release.”
He elaborated on the vaccine delivery pipeline, highlighting gaps at the local government level and the critical role of cold chain systems, which ensure vaccines maintain their efficacy through proper storage and temperature control.
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Mohammed Usman, decried the delayed release of 2024 vaccine funds.
“It is April, yet funds for 2024 vaccines have not been released. That’s very sad,” he said. “With Nigeria’s population surpassing 230 million, vaccine funding must increase in proportion.”
Usman called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to back his Renewed Hope Agenda with decisive action. He also urged the health minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to spearhead reforms, given his strong community health background.
He emphasised the importance of re-establishing Nigeria’s domestic vaccine production capabilities, recalling that the country once produced vaccines in the 1970s.
“We need N50 billion to N100 billion to restart local vaccine production. Local governments must step up to their responsibilities,” Usman added.
VNDC Executive Director, Mrs. Chika Offor, reflected on recent gains in immunisation funding, crediting persistent advocacy through the Partnership to Reach Zero-Dose Children (PREACH) initiative.
“In December 2024, we had a breakthrough. The Federal Government released outstanding funds and allocated 25% of the 2024 vaccine budget,” she said.
She commended President Tinubu, Prof. Pate, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for their commitment, but warned that the sustainability of these gains is under threat.
“With USAID funding phasing out and donor support declining, our vaccine financing is more vulnerable than ever,” Offor warned.
She urged the government to institutionalise a sustainable financing framework through the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
“This is more than a health priority; vaccine financing is a smart economic investment that saves lives and reduces long-term healthcare costs,” she noted.
Other speakers lauded the stakeholders’ continued advocacy to safeguard Nigerian children through a stronger immunisation system.
According to the World Health Organization, immunisation remains one of the most effective public health strategies globally. However, Nigeria still struggles with access, especially among zero-dose children—those who have never received any vaccines.
In 2021 alone, Nigeria recorded over 2.2 million zero-dose children, one of the highest figures globally. Stakeholders urged all levels of government to work in synergy with SDG3 Global Action Plan partners to ensure every child is reached.
(NAN)