In a meeting at the State House, President Bola Tinubu urged Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to join forces with potential Nigerian vaccine manufacturers to bolster access to life-saving vaccines for both children and adults.
The President emphasized the critical need for partnership amid the challenges faced by developing nations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks.
During discussions with a delegation from Gavi led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sania Nishtar, President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s capability and talent to contribute significantly to vaccine production, not only for Nigeria but also for the broader African continent.
Assuring Dr. Nishtar of Nigeria’s dedication, President Tinubu affirmed the nation’s commitment to fulfilling its outstanding counterpart contributions for routine vaccines in 2023.
He further directed key ministers to ensure the release of necessary funds for vaccine procurement, signaling a clear governmental priority on healthcare advancement.
Highlighting his administration’s steadfast focus on inclusive vaccination, President Tinubu reiterated the nation’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left vulnerable to preventable childhood diseases.
In response, Dr. Nishtar commended Nigeria’s innovative health-sector initiatives and pledged Gavi’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to advance health outcomes.
Notably, Gavi announced a substantial $250 million grant support to Nigeria and reaffirmed its dedication to addressing vaccine inequity in Africa through initiatives such as the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator.
Dr. Nishtar acknowledged Nigeria’s significance to Gavi’s mission, emphasizing the organization’s dictum that success in Nigeria is integral to Gavi’s overall success.
She also revealed plans for the Gavi Board to convene soon to decide on policy matters that will shape Nigeria’s future support from the organization beyond 2028.
The meeting, revealed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, marks a step towards enhancing vaccine accessibility and healthcare delivery in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government entities and international partners like Gavi.
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