Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system financing and accountability, especially the vaccine and immunisation programmes.
“We are facing some fiscal and monetary challenges, but where there is the will, there is always the way. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in this country.
“We are committed to the welfare of our nation,” the VP declared at a high-level strategic meeting on Gavi Alliance support to the Nigerian government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant to the VP, Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled, ‘Nigeria’s healthcare financing will be firmed up under Tinubu – VP Shettima.’
Shettima applauded Gavi’s invaluable contributions to improving vaccine coverage in Nigeria, noting the significant increase from 33 per cent to 57 per cent since 2016.
He also acknowledged Gavi’s critical role in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, highlighting the last reported case in 2016, emphasising the government’s dedication to sustainable domestic financing for immunisation programmes and its exploration of innovative financing mechanisms.
“We appreciate Gavi’s assistance in strengthening vaccine supply chain management and cold chain infrastructure.
“This has been instrumental in ensuring the availability and accessibility of vaccines to all Nigerians,” he added.
Shettima, who solicited Gavi’s continued support, outlined Nigeria’s plans for post-pandemic recovery and integration of immunisation services within broader health strategies.
He stressed the need to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunisation programming and rebuild resilient health systems.
“We are grateful for Gavi’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s immunisation efforts.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with Gavi and other stakeholders to achieve universal immunisation coverage and ensure the well-being of all Nigerians,” he noted.
Earlier, the Interim CEO, Gavi Alliance, Mr. David Marlow, explained the board’s visit to Nigeria and commended the Tinubu administration for its “strong commitment to primary health care and immunisation.”
Marlow lauded the FG’s commitment to re-establishing the presidential task force on routine immunisation and the increase in healthcare funding, among others.
He also assured the FG 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 immunisation.
Present at the meeting were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Gavi’s Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery, Mr. Thabani Maphosa; Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission in Nigeria, Mr. David Greene; World Bank Country Director, Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri; as well as representatives of development partners on the Gavi board, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation, and the United Kingdom government.
