According to the federal government, Nigeria’s immunisation program is facing a major financial shortfall that could jeopardise its ability to function effectively and efficiently. During a recent forum in Abuja hosted by the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, the Director-General of the Budget Office, shared insights on national immunisation funding with multiple stakeholders. He remarked that despite all attempts, the nation still lacks the essential industrial infrastructure, storage facilities, and Logistics capabilities needed to achieve self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing.
Recent data indicate that the country’s vaccination program needs $580 million in funding. Despite this, the Nigerian public sector’s contribution remains under $200 million, resulting in a significant gap of $430 million. Also, international donors such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (GAVI) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have helped bridge part of the shortfall with a combined contribution of $230 million. However, there is still an unmet funding gap of $200 million. He stated that the numbers highlighted the challenges the nation’s vaccination campaigns were up against.
Stakeholders stress the need for better funding for immunisation efforts.
Tanimu emphasised the importance of external funding in reaching the present level of disease coverage; however, the funding gap underscores the urgency for implementing stronger and more lasting solutions. The current administration vowed to address and rectify the deficiencies in funding and capabilities within the existing challenges. The country’s industrial capacity to produce a wide variety of immunisation Vaccines domestically is being strengthened through the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health. He mentioned that this program is a larger plan for the medical industry to become self-reliant by implementing a strategy focused on replacing imports.
Former chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, emphasised the importance of allocating sufficient funds for immunisation and primary health care in the National Assembly through proper budgeting. According to Oloriegbe, investing in vaccines and immunisation can positively impact health and economic security. He proposed a new method of funding vaccines by prioritising them as necessary expenses, comparable to how primary health care is funded. By implementing this strategy, he believed overall costs would decrease while improving Productivity and population control.
Vaccine-preventable diseases require urgent attention across the country.
The chairman of the Health System Reform Coalition of Nigeria (HSRCN), Dr. Mustapha Lecky, focused on the consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) on Nigerian children under five. Lecky emphasised the critical importance of addressing avoidable deaths and pointed out the seriousness of the issue. He emphasised that the impact of children’s deaths on the national Economy and future generations highlights the economic and generational setbacks that result from these preventable tragedies. He emphasised enhancing surveillance systems, laboratory networks, immunisation procurement, and administration to improve immunisation coverage and save lives. The chairman urged all stakeholders to unite and show dedication to implementing the African Declaration on Immunisation.
Professor Emmanuel Alhassan, Coordinator of Nigeria’s Epidemic Prevention and Immunization Programs at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), pointed out that the country is facing a major shortfall in funding for vaccines and immunisations. He said that they are aware of the discrepancies. they are still struggling to fulfil their 2023 financial obligation. They were expected to make payment for 2024 in June, but that has not occurred, and July is nearing its conclusion. They thank the National Assembly, Budget Office, Finance Minister, Budget and National Planning Minister, and Accountant General’s Office for their collaboration. He acknowledged the nation’s financial struggles yet emphasised prioritising health. According to him, immunisation plays a vital role in improving the well-being of every citizen.
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Mrs. Chika Offor, CEO of VNDC, highlighted that illnesses affect progress while remedies promote growth. Speaking on the critical topic of immunisation, she emphasised the necessity of securing funding for immunisation purchases. The meeting addressed financial deficits and the administration’s commitment to improving financing, industrial capacity, logistics, and storage. Offor expressed optimism about overcoming current challenges and establishing a sustainable immunisation system. She stressed the importance of ongoing initiatives and global support to achieve national vaccine Manufacturing capabilities and enhance Public Health outcomes.