Health experts in Nigeria have raised alarms about the impact of funding delays on the country's immunisation programs during a recent media engagement in Abuja. Over the past two years, Nigeria has seen a remarkable 233 percent increase in financing for immunisation, rising from N69.57 billion in 2023 to N231.74 billion projected for 2025. However, stakeholders note that only N68.8 billion has been released so far, signaling a significant gap between the funds approved and those actually disbursed, which poses risks to vaccine availability and service delivery across the nation.

Organised by the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) under the PREACH Project, this event highlighted the urgent need for timely disbursement of funds to ensure that immunisation gains are not eroded. The participants emphasized the importance of addressing these financial bottlenecks, especially in light of the rising number of zero-dose children who are missing out on essential vaccines. The interaction aimed at creating awareness and pushing for improved funding mechanisms to support Nigeria’s immunisation agenda.

The ramifications of delayed funding extend beyond immediate vaccine availability; they threaten the integrity of Nigeria's health system as the country continues to battle various communicable and preventable diseases. The health experts called for prompt actions from government and funding agencies to bridge the funding gaps and reinforce the momentum built in immunisation financing, ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerian children and communities at large.