Experts at the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) have emphasized the critical role of media in ensuring timely vaccine financing to combat Nigeria’s high rate of zero-dose children who have never received any form of vaccination.
Speaking at a Capacity Building Workshop on Media Advocacy for Vaccination Financing in Abuja, the Head of Programmes, Chika Nwankwo, called for stronger collaboration with journalists to amplify messages and hold policymakers accountable.
Nwankwo revealed that Nigeria had achieved a 100% increase in immunization applications from 2023 to 2024 and reached 25% self-reliance in vaccine financing in 2034.
She commended the current administration for its intentional commitment to immunization, noting that 25% of the 2024 vaccine budget had already been released.
“Without timely financing, there would be no vaccines, and children in hard-to-reach areas would remain vulnerable,” she stressed.
Acknowledging the efforts of key stakeholders like Senator Tony Nwoye, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Nwankwo highlighted their pivotal role in ensuring the disbursement of funds. She also praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for responding promptly to advocacy efforts, which resulted in the release of the final tranche of the 2023 vaccine funds.
Despite these achievements, Nwankwo noted that delays in fund disbursement remain a significant challenge. She urged the media to amplify messages that advocate for timely releases, enabling vaccines to reach zero-dose children in remote areas.
“The media is crucial in driving awareness and ensuring policymakers act swiftly. Together, we can move the needle forward and ensure no child is left behind,” she said.
Nwankwo called for innovative strategies to streamline the 27-step financing process, reduce bottlenecks, and accelerate fund releases. She expressed optimism about future collaborations with media practitioners, stating that quarterly engagements would be introduced in 2025 to sustain momentum in vaccine financing advocacy.
The Head of Research at the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Olatunde Olaoluwa, provided an overview of the project, emphasizing its mission to drive sustainable financing and political commitment to immunization.
According to Olaoluwa, Nigeria has the highest number of zero-dose children globally, “Those who have not received any form of vaccination leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. “Without sustainable financing for vaccines, these children remain at risk. Advocacy is crucial to securing government prioritization of immunization funding,” he stated.
Olaoluwa explained that the PREACH project aims to forge multi-level political consensus and ensure financial sustainability for vaccine procurement.
“The project advocates for Nigeria’s gradual transition to self-reliance in vaccine financing, in line with a 10-year agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. While Gavi has significantly funded vaccines over the years, Nigeria is expected to increase its financial contribution to achieve independence.
“However, delays in the release of co-financing funds remain a challenge, with 2023 allocations only becoming available late in the year, threatening vaccine availability.”
Olaoluwa also underscored the media’s role as a key partner in amplifying advocacy messages to policymakers. He stressed that greater public awareness and accountability would pressure stakeholders to prioritize timely disbursement of funds.
“Vaccines are not just a health issue; they are an economic one. Reducing zero-dose children will improve Nigeria’s health outcomes, GDP, and overall development,” he said.
The Media Consultant Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Ms Rachael Abujah emphasized the significant progress in vaccine financing under the current administration but noted that more work remains to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
Abujah highlighted that the Nigerian government achieved 100% disbursement of the 2023 vaccine budget in record time and has already released 25% of the 2024 budget. However, she stressed the need for increased media engagement to push for timely disbursement of the remaining funds.
“Nigeria remains number one in zero-dose children globally. These children, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State and riverine communities in Bayelsa State, are at risk without proper vaccine coverage,” she said.
She urged journalists to use investigative reporting and compelling human-interest stories to advocate for vaccination financing and ensure policymakers prioritize timely releases.
“Through our reportage, we must ensure that resources are mobilized, and every child, no matter their location, receives life-saving vaccines,” Abujah added.
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