Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to sustainable domestic financing for immunisation programmes in the country.

He gave the assurance during a high-level strategic meeting on Gavi Alliance support to the federal government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare system financing and accountability, especially in securing vaccines and immunisation programmes.

Mr Shettima said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is irreversibly devoted to redefining the idea of modern leadership, particularly as it pertains to the welfare of Nigerians.

He applauded the Gavi alliance’s contributions to improving vaccine coverage in Nigeria, noting the significant increase from 33 per cent to 57 per cent since 2016.

He said, “We are facing some fiscal and monetary challenges, but where there is the will, there is always the way.

“President Bola Tinubu is irrevocably committed to redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in this country. We are committed to the welfare of our nation.”

Mr Shettima also acknowledged Gavi’s critical role in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, adding that the last reported case was in 2016.

He added, “We appreciate Gavi’s assistance in strengthening vaccine supply chain management and the cold chain infrastructure.

“This has been instrumental in ensuring the availability and accessibility of vaccines to all Nigerians.”

The vice president outlined Nigeria’s plans for post-pandemic recovery and integration of immunisation services into broader health strategies.

He emphasised the need to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunisation programming and rebuild resilient health systems.

“We are grateful for Gavi’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s immunisation efforts.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with Gavi and other stakeholders to achieve universal immunisation coverage and ensure the well-being of Nigerians,” he said.

Earlier, the Interim chief executive officer of Gavi Alliance, David Marlow, commended Mr Tinubu’s administration for the commitment to primary health care and immunisation.

He said the government’s commitment to re-establishing the presidential task force on routine immunisation and the increase in healthcare funding, among others, were commendable.

Mr Marlow assured the federal government and other stakeholders in the health sector of Gavi’s commitment to aligning with the vision of the new leadership of the country in advancing the cause of primary health care and immunisation.

He said, “I just want to let you know that the Gavi Alliance has been a good friend of Nigeria since 2002.

“Since that time, we’ve invested 2.3 billion dollars to support Nigeria with vaccination and strengthening of primary health care systems.

“We are also delighted to partner with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate; we’re excited to see the new vision that he has laid out in terms of strategy and the action plan. So, we look forward to continuing to cooperate with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“I also want to reemphasise that our work is so important as Nigeria currently has 2.8 million children that have not had any vaccinations.

“So, this is very important for us that we focus on immunisation and strengthen local community primary health care systems to help the citizens of this wonderful country.”

(NAN)