Prioritize Vaccination Funding or Endanger Future Generations, Oloriegbe Warns FG

Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, has urged the Federal Government to make vaccine financing a key focus of Nigeria’s health investment strategy, stressing that neglecting this issue could endanger the country’s future health outcomes.

In a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday to mark World Health Day, the ex-lawmaker highlighted the importance of moving beyond policy discussions to actively promote local vaccine production. He called for greater collaboration with Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and greater incentives for private sector involvement in the financing of immunization programs.

He noted that given the decline in donor funding, it is crucial for Nigeria to take complete responsibility for its vaccine requirements by establishing steady and reliable funding strategies.

Oloriegbe, who also served as the chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) board, highlighted the importance of immunization as one of the most cost-efficient public health strategies. He pointed out, “Many of us are alive today thanks to the vaccines we received as children.”

He warned that, “The increasing number of preventable diseases, such as measles and bacterial meningitis, in Nigeria, as a clear indication of significant gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly among children who have received no doses at all.”

“By investing in vaccines now, we can reduce the cost of managing future outbreaks,” he stated. He also emphasized that the proposed N1trn investment in primary healthcare should prioritize robust support for immunization efforts to guarantee a healthier, more productive population.