Release N60bn Immunisation Fund Now, Stakeholders Tell Federal Govt

Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) in collaboration with public health organisations has called on the accountant-general of the federation for the release of cash-planned N60billion 2023 Immunisation fund.

The group made the call at a media dialogue themed: “Nigeria’s Immunisation Financing for Vaccines and Devices: Navigating Financial Challenges With Resolve”, in Abuja

Founder of VNDC, Chika Offor, stated that with the immunisation budget designed to ensure availability of vaccines and strengthen vaccination campaigns in the country, Nigeria was yet to release substantial funds from the appropriated immunisation budget for 2023.

She emphasised that the absence of timely release of the fund could jeopardise the progress made in controlling infectious diseases, thereby leaving the country vulnerable to the resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases such as diphtheria and polio. 

“Currently, there is an epidemic of vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria such as diphtheria, measles, yellow fever, etc. Despite the global emphasis on vaccination as a vital public health tool, the delay in releasing funds earmarked for immunisation programs raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its population. 

The poor and vulnerable, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk of suffering the severe consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.

“With funds yet to be released, health authorities and stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the potential consequences for public health,” she added.

Speaking on the impact analysis, Offor said “non-release of the funds by  December 31, 2023, will lead to its expiration and therefore cannot be used subsequently for procurement of vaccines and devices, which she mentioned could lead to shortage of vaccines in the country, leading to resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases.

Offor commended the government for the introduction of new vaccines such as HPV and Rotavirus vaccines and for the approval for the introduction of malaria vaccine in 2024. 

She also commended the government for the increased Immunisation budget from 69 Billion in 2023 to N137billion in the 2024 proposed budget.

She, however, stated that the necessity for substantial budgetary allocations for Immunisation is underscored.

On her part, Oyeyemi Pitan, who spoke for the African Health Budget Network said that vaccination is important in increasing life expectancy. 

She also stated that with Nigeria being one of the countries with the highest number of zero dose children, it is important for the release of the Immunisation fund before the end of 2023 so that there’ll be vaccines available for children in the country.