NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Gavi announces 1m to boost Nigeria’s health system, immunisation

Gavi announces $191m to boost Nigeria’s health system, immunisation

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By Abujah Racheal

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a new 191 million dollars Health Systems Strengthening (HSS-3) grant to Nigeria aimed at improving immunisation coverage and reaching underserved populations.

The initiative targets 1.8 million zero-dose children, those who have never received any routine vaccines and aims to raise immunisation coverage to 84 per cent by 2028.

Dr Alex de Jonquières, Gavi’s Director of Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja.

He described the grant as one of Gavi’s largest ever, emphasising its scale and significance.

He noted that it was the result of an inclusive planning process led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, development partners, and civil society.

“The investment will support health system expansion, particularly at the sub-national level.

“Nearly 80 per cent of the funds will be allocated to states, and more than 10 per cent will go directly to civil society organisations to reach the most underserved communities,” said de Jonquières.

He lauded Nigeria’s progress, citing more than 62 million children vaccinated, two million deaths averted, and the successful introduction of nine new vaccines, including those for HPV and malaria.

He added that Gavi had invested more than 2.4 billion dollars in Nigeria since 2000.

“This support has enabled the renovation of 493 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of 3,683 health workers, and procurement of cold chain equipment and logistics vehicles to strengthen immunisation delivery,” he said.

However, de Jonquières also noted that Nigeria still bear the world’s highest burden of zero-dose children, calling for increased domestic investment, stronger accountability, and deeper collaboration.

“As we launch this new phase, we stand at a transformative moment. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” he said.

He also announced an additional 100 million dollars investment for a nationwide measles-rubella campaign in 2025, which aimed to protect more than 100 million children, Gavi’s largest campaign in Nigeria to date.

“This support aligns with Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and broader health sector reforms to drive systemic improvements and sustainable progress in child health outcomes.”

Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, urged stakeholders to view health as a public investment rather than expenditure.

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable health systems.

“There is a need to expand the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), improve transparency in resource use, upgrade healthcare worker training and conditions, strengthen global partnerships, and scale up digital health solutions.

“These efforts must be seen as long-term investments in a healthier future for all Nigerians, especially children,” she said.

Dr Walter Mulombo, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health system through a rights-based approach grounded in governance, transparency, and partnerships.

He highlighted governance as a critical pillar of health systems strengthening and commended Nigeria’s progress with the SWAp.

He underscored urgent priorities, including reducing zero-dose children, expanding malaria and HPV vaccinations, and introducing the measles-rubella vaccine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HSS-3 initiative, supported by Gavi and global partners, aims to improve healthcare access for women and children, particularly in underserved areas.

Running from 2025 to 2028, the programme will address resource gaps, strengthen leadership and oversight, and expand primary healthcare services across Nigeria. (NAN)


Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Abiemwense Moru

West Africa steps up lassa fever vaccine efforts

West Africa steps up lassa fever vaccine efforts

413 total views today

By Abujah Racheal

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and national task forces from five countries met on Thursday to advance efforts in developing a Lassa fever vaccine.

The inaugural meeting and launch of the Lassa Fever Coalition Governing Entity (LFGE), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, marked a significant step toward addressing the recurring threat of Lassa fever in the region.

The coalition’s goal is to develop, equitably distribute, and deploy an effective Lassa fever vaccine, while also addressing immediate needs such as public awareness campaigns, equipping health workers, and ensuring access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable populations.

Dr Melchior Aissi, Director General of WAHO, described Lassa fever as a zoonotic disease that had plagued West Africa for over 50 years, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among health workers.

“In spite of therapeutic interventions, the absence of a preventive vaccine has made the disease a recurring challenge,” he said.

Aissi stressed the importance of fostering scientific collaboration, raising awareness among political leaders, and ensuring vaccine affordability and accessibility.

He also lauded the support of ECOWAS Heads of State and development partners in advancing WAHO’s agenda, which included strengthening health systems, enhancing epidemic preparedness, and promoting investment in research and innovation.

“Efforts are underway to mobilise resources, ensure fair allocation of health products, and build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of addressing both emerging and existing health challenges,” he added.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, highlighted significant progress since the Lassa fever vaccine programme began in 2018.

“Nigeria has always been central to these efforts as the epicentre of Lassa fever due to its high number of cases,” he said.

Hatchett revealed that Phase II field trials were now underway in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with earlier trials conducted in Ghana.

He stressed the importance of understanding the epidemiology of Lassa fever across the region to target vaccine trials effectively.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised the coalition’s focus on advancing vaccine development and strengthening public health measures.

He highlighted the need for equity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and health workers benefited from the coalition’s efforts.

“Sustained collaboration among national, regional, and global partners is essential to building inclusive and resilient health systems,” Pate said.

Dr Catherine Cooper, Chief Medical Officer in Liberia, revealed that enhanced surveillance had uncovered an expansion of Lassa fever cases across multiple regions in the country.

She stressed the importance of regional coordination in ensuring a comprehensive approach to vaccine development and survivor care.

In Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, discussed progress in enhancing laboratory capacity for quicker diagnosis of suspected cases.

However, he noted challenges in rural areas, including delays in sample transport and result dissemination.

“Community sensitisation programmes have been pivotal in educating the public about preventive measures, such as proper food storage and sanitation, to reduce exposure to infected rodents,” Vandi said.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, emphasised the importance of collaboration with institutions and researchers to stimulate interest and government support for scientific research.

He noted that public health activities were research-based, involving data collection and expert collaboration, which were crucial for finding solutions to health challenges.

He underscored the need for equitable sharing of benefits arising from global scientific efforts, ensuring that all regions, including Africa, have fair access to innovations, technologies, and products.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition represents a united effort to combat Lassa fever in West Africa, combining scientific innovation with a commitment to equitable healthcare delivery.

While challenges remain, the collective efforts of national governments, regional organisations, and international partners offer hope for a healthier and more resilient future for the region.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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