The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has called for urgent action to streamline the immunization budget release process, emphasising its critical role in addressing Nigeria’s staggering number of zero-dose children, the highest globally.
The head of programs at VNDC, Mrs. Chika Nwankwo, made the plea on Tuesday in Abuja, during a capacity-building workshop on Media Advocacy for Vaccination Financing.
Nwankwo lamented that the bureaucratic delays are hampering immunization efforts.
She revealed that the current fund release process involves up to 27 steps, with the Ministry of Finance alone responsible for 20 steps.
“This lengthy process causes unnecessary delays, preventing vaccines from reaching underserved areas where they are needed most. “Without timely funding, we cannot reduce the number of zero-dose children,” she said.
While acknowledging progress under the current administration, she pointed out that only 25 per cent of the 2024 immunization budget has been released so far.
“We must push for full and timely releases to ensure every Nigerian child is protected against preventable diseases,” she stressed.
Nwankwo urged stakeholders, particularly the ministries of Finance and Health, to streamline the budget release process. “Our goal for 2024 is full, timely fund releases,” she stated.
She adding that achieving this would help protect every child in Nigeria from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“The call for improved vaccination financing reflects the urgent need to address Nigeria’s immunization gaps and reduce the burden of zero-dose children.
“VNDC reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media and policymakers to ensure vaccines reach every child, no matter their location,” she said.
An immunization champion, and public health expert, Ms. Rachael Abujah, highlighted the severe implications of funding delays, particularly for hard-to-reach areas like the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State and the riverine communities of Bayelsa State.
“These delays directly impact Nigeria’s zero-dose children crisis, as vaccines either arrive late or not at all,” Abujah noted.
She underscored the media’s critical role in amplifying advocacy messages, holding policymakers accountable, and raising public awareness about immunization challenges.
“If the media amplifies these issues, it can drive national and international attention that creates change,” she said.
