The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and its partners have praised the Federal Government of Nigeria for its strong political will and increased domestic financing for immunisation programmes, describing the country as a model for sustainable vaccine funding in Africa.
The commendation follows the release of the 2024 Annual Progress Report by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which highlighted record-breaking achievements in global immunisation efforts.
According to the report, vaccination initiatives in lower-income countries supported by Gavi saved at least 1.7 million lives in 2024, the highest annual total ever recorded, and an increase of 400,000 lives compared to 2023.
More than 72 million children were immunised during the year, while participating countries collectively contributed nearly $255 million through domestic co-financing mechanisms.
GHAI’s Vice President for Health Systems Strengthening, Vandana Shah, noted that Nigeria alone accounted for nearly one-third of this amount, demonstrating its growing commitment to self-reliant immunisation financing.
“Nigeria’s leadership in mobilising domestic resources is a clear signal that sustainable financing is achievable when political commitment aligns with community advocacy,” Shah said. “This progress is vital to ensuring no child is left behind”.
She attributed part of this success to GHAI’s ongoing collaboration with the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, led by Chika Offor, which has been driving parliamentary engagement and media advocacy to institutionalise immunisation funding through a first-line charge mechanism in the national budget.
Beyond Nigeria, Shah highlighted similar impacts of GHAI’s partnerships across Africa. In Kenya, collaboration with HENNET Kenya, led by Margaret Lubaale, helped end a nationwide BCG vaccine stockout, securing KSh 500 million for vaccine procurement.
In Madagascar, joint efforts with HINA Plateforme, led by Eli Ramamonjisoa, prompted the Mayor of Antananarivo to allocate municipal funds for routine immunisation, a first for the city.
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