FG, LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR URGENT RELEASE OF VACCINE FUNDS TO TACKLE LOW IMMUNIZATION………………
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Federal Government, National Assembly, and health stakeholders have called for the urgent release of vaccine funds to address Nigeria’s low immunisation rates, especially among children under five and pregnant women.
At a workshop in Abuja, Senate Health Committee Chair, Senator Ipalibo Harry, decried frequent vaccine shortages and proposed legislative action, including first-line charge funding, to ensure consistent vaccine supply.
House Health Committee Chair, Hon. Amos Magaji, urged increased budgetary allocation through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and engagement with the private sector to reduce dependence on foreign donors.
Presidential Adviser on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, emphasized the need for more domestic commitment, local vaccine production, and better oversight of available resources.
Chika Offor, CEO of Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), revealed only 25% of the 2024 vaccine budget had been released and stressed the need for faster procurement and state-level action to reduce the number of zero-dose children.
Dr. Ado Mohammed of the Budget Office called for a vaccine tracking system to ensure equitable access.