TheCable

Nigeria has started an exit transition from Gavi funding support. This implies that the government’s share of the cost of vaccine procurement and storage will increase progressively.

Chizoba Wonodi, Convener for the Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) said in a statement that WAVA was pleased that the national assembly granted the request made to preserve the RI budget during an interactive session with its leadership on the 2016 Budget Proposal.

She commended the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government for the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines, devices and operations programmes for polio, measles and other vaccine preventable diseases.

Wonodi added that given the political will demonstrated in the 2016 budgetary provision, WAVA considers this a huge step towards sustainable funding for immunisation. Immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective and economically-rewarding health interventions yielding at least sixteen dollars per dollar invested.

The Nigerian Country Mid-Year Plan (CMYP) analysis shows that the government is required to budget a minimum of N14 billion in 2017 and N40 billion in 2020; thereafter, an average of N52 billion will be required every year

Wonodi called on the ministry of finance to ensure timely release of the fund and urge the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure efficient utilization of the approved budget.

She commended their partners- the Johns Hopkins International Vaccines Access Center (JHU-IVAC) and Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL) for supporting WAVA’s advocacy works with the provision of evidence and key messages.

In closing Wonodi said WAVA is committed to supporting every action taken by government and other partners towards achieving uninterrupted and equitable access to immunisation in Nigeria in line with the sustainable development goals.