Tinubu pledges stronger support for vaccine programme

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s immunisation system and expanding access to life-saving vaccines, as he received a high-level delegation from the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President said his government would continue to support policies and investments aimed at improving routine immunisation, protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases, and building a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to future public health challenges.

Tinubu gave the assurance during a meeting with officials of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, who were at the Presidency to discuss Nigeria’s immunisation programmes, vaccine financing, and the country’s preparations for a gradual transition from Gavi-supported funding to greater domestic ownership.

The President noted that healthcare remains one of the key pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable economic growth without a healthy population.

He said the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, has access to safe and effective vaccines.

Tinubu commended Gavi for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, describing the organisation as a critical ally in improving child survival, reducing preventable deaths, and strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.

According to him, the collaboration between Nigeria and Gavi has contributed significantly to expanding immunisation coverage over the years, while helping to combat diseases such as polio, measles, yellow fever, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.

The President also reiterated the government’s determination to increase domestic financing for healthcare and immunisation programmes, noting that stronger collaboration between federal and state governments would be essential to achieving universal vaccine coverage.

He emphasised the importance of improving vaccine logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, data management, and community awareness to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure that immunisation services reach underserved communities.

The Gavi delegation praised Nigeria’s renewed commitment to healthcare reforms and acknowledged the country’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery despite economic challenges.

The delegation expressed confidence that sustained political commitment from the highest level of government would help Nigeria achieve higher immunisation coverage and reduce child mortality.

Gavi officials also reiterated the alliance’s readiness to continue supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, capacity building, vaccine procurement, and health system strengthening, while working closely with the Federal Government on a sustainable transition plan.

The meeting also focused on strategies to improve vaccine access for vulnerable populations, strengthen disease surveillance, and enhance collaboration among development partners to support Nigeria’s broader health sector reforms.

Nigeria remains one of Gavi’s largest partner countries, having benefited from billions of dollars in support for immunisation programmes over the past two decades. The partnership has helped introduce new vaccines, improve cold-chain infrastructure, train health workers, and expand routine immunisation services across the country.

Health experts say sustained government funding and strong political leadership will be critical as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on donor financing while ensuring uninterrupted access to vaccines for millions of children.

The renewed commitment by President Tinubu is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to improve immunisation coverage, strengthen primary healthcare services, and advance Nigeria’s goal of achieving universal health coverage while safeguarding future generations against preventable diseases.