Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its healthcare system financing and accountability, especially the vaccine and immunization programmes.
He said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government is irreversibly devoted to redefining the idea of modern leadership in the country, particularly as it pertains to the welfare of Nigerians.
Shettima stated this on Wednesday during a high-level strategic meeting on Gavi Alliance support to the Nigerian government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The vice president applauded the Alliance’s invaluable contributions to improving vaccine coverage in Nigeria, noting the significant increase from 33% to 57% since 2016.
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He also acknowledged Gavi’s critical role in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, highlighting the last reported case in 2016, even as he emphasised the government’s dedication to sustainable domestic financing for immunization programmes and its exploration of innovative financing mechanisms.
Soliciting Gavi’s continued support, Vice President Shettima outlined Nigeria’s plans for post-pandemic recovery and integration of immunization services within broader health strategies, emphasising the need to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunization programming and rebuild resilient health systems.
The Interim CEO of Gavi Alliance, David Marlow, while explaining the board’s visit to Nigeria, commended the Tinubu administration for its “strong commitment to primary health care and immunization”.
He said the government’s commitment to re-establishing the presidential taskforce on routine immunization and the increase in healthcare funding, among others, was also commendable.
Mr Marlow assured the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the health sector of Gavi’s commitment to aligning with the vision of the new leadership of the country in advancing the cause of primary health care and immunization.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
