The Gavi, the vaccine alliance has approved a new African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator to the tune of one billion US dollars to provide strategically timed grants to support and incentivize African manufacturers in vaccine production.
The chief executive officer of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, sania Nishtar, said this during a visit to the mabushi primary health care centre in Abuja on Friday.
It is a fact that Nigeria heavily relies on imported vaccines, leaving it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions during crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Nigeria’s to the consequences of such arrangement as the country found itself at the mercy of export bans and vaccine hoarding by wealthier nations.
A paradigm shift is however underway as Nigeria endeavours to take charge of its vaccine production.
The Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sania Nishtar’s visit to Nigeria signals a potential breakthrough, as Gavi has approved the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, valued at one billion US dollars to bolster vaccine manufacturing across the continent but certains conditions must be meet.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Muyi Aina, underscored the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Gavi which has guaranteed Nigeria continued access to vital vaccines, crucial for safeguarding the health of Nigerian children.
Nigeria’s journey with Gavi has been transformative and as a major beneficiary of Gavi’s commitment to immunize over half of the world’s children against life-threatening diseases, Nigeria has witnessed the tangible impact of the partnership since Gavi’s inception in 2000.
This latest development holds promise for Nigeria’s journey towards self-reliance in vaccine production and marking a significant stride in securing the health and well-being of its populace.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
