Critical vaccination campaigns in Nigeria at risk – NGO raises alarm

The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has raised the alarm that critical vaccination campaigns are facing uncertainty regarding potential shortages and distribution challenges.

Mrs. Chika Offor, founder of VNDC, expressed her concerns in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Offor highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that millions of children were at risk of missing out on vital immunisations.

She emphasised the need for swift action to ensure an adequate vaccine supply reached all communities.

“The situation stems from a combination of factors, including logistical hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and funding constraints,” she lamented.

She explained that delays in vaccine deliveries were being experienced across several states, leaving health centres ill-equipped to meet the growing demand.

She expressed fears that the setbacks could have far-reaching consequences, jeopardising efforts to combat preventable diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria.

“For many Nigerian parents, the well-being of their children is paramount.

"Immunisation, a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, offers a shield against a multitude of potentially life-threatening diseases,” she said.

However, she expressed concern over a potential vaccine shortage that could leave countless children exposed in the second quarter of 2024.

She emphasised the need for a closer examination of funding mechanisms to address the underlying challenges.

“In a bid to tackle its high number of unvaccinated children, Nigeria signed a 10-year co-financing agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,” she explained.

According to her, this promising trajectory has encountered a significant roadblock due to challenges in translating budgeted allocations into readily available funds.

She highlighted the sluggish release of budgeted resources, with a substantial portion of the 2023 co-financing allocation remaining unpaid.

She said that the uncertainty surrounding the entirety of the 2024 co-financing allocation further exacerbated the situation, raising concerns over the country’s ability to continue funding vital vaccines.

The consequences of a vaccine shortage could be dire, Offor warned.

It could potentially lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death among children.

She stressed the need for a collaborative approach to vaccine procurement financing and urged prioritisation of immunisation funding in the budgetary process.

“The health of Nigerian children is a national imperative,” she emphasised.

According to her, by fostering collaboration between federal and state governments, streamlining the budgetary process, and prioritising vaccinations, every child can receive the vital shield of protection they deserve.

Supreme News reports that as concerns mount over the looming shadow of the vaccine shortage, advocates across the country continue to call for concerted efforts to secure a brighter, healthier future for all Nigerian children.