The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has called on the Nigerian government and key stakeholders to prioritise sustainable vaccine financing to prevent a reversal of recent immunisation gains.
WORLD HEALTH DAY!
Immunization financing in Nigeria is at a crossroads! With rising healthcare demands and fiscal constraints, now is the time to make every kobo count! But what’s the real cost of action – or inaction?In commemoration of World Health Day, join us as we validate… pic.twitter.com/LNazNCKV0c
— Vaccine Network for Disease Control (@VaccineNet_NG) April 4, 2025
The CEO of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Chika Offor who made the call during a press conference in Abuja Nigeria acknowledged that 2024 marked a breakthrough with the release of outstanding vaccine funds from 2022 and 2023, and 25% of the 2024 vaccine budget.
She commended President Bola Tinubu, Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for their leadership in improving immunisation efforts under the MAMI (Maternal, Adolescent and Neonatal Immunisation) initiative.
The 2025 budget allocation of N231.7 billion for immunisation, malaria vaccines, and tracking was also hailed as a major milestone.
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However, she warned that the exit of U.S. donor funding and shrinking fiscal space pose serious risks to the sustainability of these efforts.
“Despite major strides, including a 71% HPV vaccine coverage and protection of over 30 million children, Nigeria still has one of the highest numbers of “zero-dose”, children who have never received a routine vaccine.”
The CEO advocate that vaccine financing should be treated as a first-line charge in the national budget, enabling predictable and timely disbursements.
She also urged the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to develop a sustainable immunisation financing framework and called for active private sector and civil society involvement.
She appealed that no Nigerian child should be left behind in having access to lifesaving vaccines.
The newly appointed Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), to resume effect from 11th May 2025, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, called for prompt release of vaccine funds and local production of essential vaccines to strengthen Nigeria’s immunisation system.
Dr. Oloriegbe stressed that while the federal government handles vaccine procurement, proper storage, cold-chain maintenance, and last-mile delivery remain major challenges.
He emphasised that vaccines must be kept at sub-zero temperatures and transported efficiently to reach health facilities across the country.
He urged stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, alongside support from partners and the private sector, to ensure vaccines are available where needed.
“A child should not wait for the next budget quarter to receive a vaccine like BCG,” he said.
Highlighting lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Oloriegbe advocated for local production of traditional vaccines such as BCG, OPV, and DPT to cut costs, ensure availability, and boost self-reliance.
He urged the government to treat vaccine funding as a priority, with timely, adequate, and predictable releases to avoid preventable illness and death.
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