Concerned over the possibility of Nigerian children missing out on vital vaccines, the vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), has urged the federal government to prioritisation of vaccinations through budgetary Allocation.
This, the organisation said is crucial to avert a potential vaccine shortage that could leave countless children exposed in the country, saying examination of the funding mechanisms is essential to comprehend the origins of this challenging situation.
In a bid to tackle its high number of unvaccinated children, Nigeria signed a 10-year co-financing agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This collaborative effort aimed to empower Nigeria to gradually transition from dependence on Gavi’s donations to self-sufficiency in vaccine procurement.
However, the promising trajectory has encountered a significant roadblock as Nigeria, despite budgeting for vaccines, has struggled to translate those allocations into readily available funds.
The founder of VNDC, Mrs Chika Offor, said “It’s not too late to turn things around. A two-pronged strategy can keep the vaccines flowing and protect the health of our next generation.
She said: “Firstly, a vital step involves a paradigm shift in the way vaccine procurement is financed. Currently, the financial burden rests solely on the shoulders of the federal government.
“This creates a single point of potential failure. A more collaborative approach is needed. Encouraging subnational governments to develop and implement domestic resource mobilization strategies would create a more robust funding ecosystem. Imagine each state contributing financially, sharing the responsibility and forging a united front in protecting our children’s health.
“Secondly, prioritizing the importance of vaccinations through budgetary allocation is crucial. Wouldn’t it be reassuring if funding for immunizations received the same level of urgency as critical emergencies? By designating the immunization budget as “first-line charge,” it would be prioritized and released promptly, ensuring a steady flow of resources to procure the necessary vaccines.”
