Health Groups Urge Government to Address Vaccination Funding Delay

The chairman of the NHIA Board, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, has urged the Federal Government to quickly release pending vaccination funds, c...

The chairman of the NHIA Board, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, has urged the Federal Government to quickly release pending vaccination funds, cautioning that delays are endangering the lives of Nigerian children.

Oloriegbe raised the issue during a Joint Media Conference on Immunization Funding in Abuja, emphasizing, "Our field is about life. Life doesn't pause. Children are losing their lives. A child will succumb to measles if not vaccinated, and that child cannot be brought back to life."

He pointed out the irreversible damage resulting from preventable illnesses, such as blindness caused by measles, and reminded government officials of their duty. “It is our responsibility as a government to make sure every child survives and can contribute effectively. Preventable diseases should not be permitted to restrict the lives of our children.”

Oloriegbe mentioned that health officials had sent a letter to the Presidency, highlighting the importance of funding for the health sector in 2025. "We supported the initiative to raise awareness. The 2025 budget, particularly capital expenditures, should align with the current conditions in the health sector."

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Disease Control Vaccine Network, Chika Offor, cautioned that Nigeria is on the verge of a severe vaccine shortage unless funding is provided without delay.

She stated, "The truth is harsh and difficult to accept: a shortage of vaccines is about to occur unless we release the funds for vaccines that are still pending. By early December, we could be facing a serious situation where more than 8 million Nigerian children might remain without protection."

Offor stated that while ₦231 billion was approved for vaccination programs in 2025, "not a single naira has been distributed," and ₦87 billion from 2024 remains unpaid.

She cautioned that not fulfilling Gavi co-financing responsibilities might result in the halt of all financial assistance. "If a decision is required, opt for immunization. The era of empty pledges is over. What we require now is rapid, determined, and empathetic action."

In an open letter mentioned at the conference, Dr Muhammed Lecky, Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition, expressed concern over the extended postponement in distributing health-related funding.

It's November, and there's only one month remaining, but the funds allocated to the Ministry of Health have still not been distributed.

He emphasized that delayed financial support endangers critical health services, especially for at-risk populations like children under five, expectant mothers, and people living in remote areas. "Immediate financial assistance is required."

Releasing money at this time can prevent future outbreaks, save lives, and lower long-term healthcare costs.

Additionally speaking to reporters at the event, Dr Aminu Magashi, National Coordinator of AHBN, called on the media to remind the Minister of Finance about his public promise made during the Joint Annual Review on November 12.

He stated, "The Finance Minister pledged in front of the whole nation to release ₦150 billion. We need to ensure leaders are held responsible for the commitments they have made."

Magashi also urged state governors to create annual budget allocations specifically for vaccine distribution.

The central government is handling the purchasing process. Leaders need to guarantee the transfer from state to facility levels.

Throughout the conference, civil society organizations and health officials issued a collective call: the Federal Government needs to immediately release all delayed vaccination funds to avoid a national emergency. "We are prepared, as civil society, to promote transparency and responsibility," Lecky stated. Offor highlighted the urgency: "Time is running out—because life is valuable."

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