By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The federal government is working out modalities to secure sustainable immunisation funding and expand local vaccine production to protect Nigerian children against preventable diseases.
Speaking at an Interagency Coordination Committee meeting in Abuja, that brought together government agencies, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the World Bank and other development partners, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, called for increased state government contributions and stronger primary healthcare delivery.
The Minister stressed that local vaccine manufacturers must meet national regulatory requirements and World Health Organisation prequalification standards, while warning that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to fuel outbreaks, including diphtheria among unvaccinated children.
As Nigeria plans its 2026–2030 immunisation priorities, sustainable funding, quality vaccines, and public trust remain critical to protecting every child.
