Nigeria’s immunisation drive has grown fast, with funding jumping 233% in two years, but delayed releases are putting vaccines—and children—at risk.
At a media briefing in Abuja, health stakeholders under the PREACH Project warned that only N68.8 billion of the approved N231.7 billion for 2025 has been released, creating gaps in vaccine supply and routine immunisation.
Chika Offor of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control stressed the need for sustained advocacy and accountability, proposing measures like increasing the Basic Health Care Fund, dedicating parts of the Federation Account to health, and creating an Immunisation Trust Fund.
Media experts highlighted the power of community-driven reporting, showing how local voices in Kwali prompted quick government action, emphasizing the importance of amplifying grassroots realities alongside expert insights.
Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan added that collaboration between media, civil society, and communities is key to ensuring zero-dose children receive timely vaccines.
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