By Ndidi Chukwu
Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) has participated in a breakfast meeting of International Donors and Partners, to sustain immunization financing in Nigeria.
The meeting was convened by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with the international donors and partners to chat way forward.
CHR became the first indigenous Civil Society Organisation (CSO) to participate in the international donors and partners breakfast meeting which held in Abuja.
Our correspondent report that the CHR participated in the meeting in its capacity as the Routine Immunization lead for the Nigerian CSOs coalition, the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH).
Participants during the meeting had an extensive discussion on achieving sustainable immunization financing as well as innovative ways Nigeria could generate funds when it finally graduates from Gavi the Vaccine Alliance support in 2025.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole during the meeting appreciated partners on their support to ensure the country’s immunization activities achieve its goal of vaccination for every child, and the financial support the nation has gained through development partners.
He however stated that the nation would need to improve its commitment on immunization financing to sustain the gains achieved so far as well as bridged existing gaps.
“Nigeria has an obligation as a nation to fund immunization and I am determined to lend my voice to this course and I call on development partners to join hands,” he said.
He further called on CSOs and partners to drive home the message that Nigeria must take full responsibility of its immunization funding.
The Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib in his remark, said “Nigeria is focused on achieving Universal Health Coverage and this can be attained through improved immunization financing and I am committed to it”
The NPHCDA director added that he has taken a strong position on sustainable immunization financing, broader financial management and overhauling corruption to revamp the agency and regain the partner’s confidence.
Other participants who spoke on need for improved immunization financing are Chairman, National Immunization Financing Task Team (NIFT) Dr Ben Anyene who said, “Until Nigeria owns immunization financing, it can’t be sustained. Budget for immunization must be used more effectively and efficiently to improve the healthcare system.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative, Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu, said Vaccine is an excellent investment and gives long term value for money. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to work with Nigeria to ensure sustainable immunization financing.
CHR-PACFaH Project Director, Dr Aminu Magashi, was represented at the meeting by the Programme Officer, Diana Edema-Sillo.
Our correspondent report that other partners in the meeting are; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Kingdom Department for International Development (UKAID) and IVAC.
