By Hassan Zaggi
GAVI- the Vaccine Alliance is currently planning a four-year funding for Nigeria.
The GAVI representative, Dr. Atuhaire Brian, disclosed this at theformal launched of the National Zero Dose Learning Hub in Abuja, on Monday.
The zero dose learning hub was launched by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with GAVI.
The zero dose learning hub is aimed at closing immunization gaps and ensure no child is left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
The zero dose learning hub initiative may likely benefit from the four-year funding by from GAVI when approved.
Dr. Brian said: “For the next four years, we are in touch with the leadership of the NPHCDA to plan for the next phase of funding from GAVI for Nigeria.
“So the zero dose learning hub is actually very timely, it comes in at a time where we are asking ourselves how best do we focus our resources that we have to get us better result.”
He lamented that: “Nigeria is the home to highest number of zero dose children among GAVI countries. Last year it was the second and now number one. That is a concern from the efforts from the secretariat and partners given that we seem to be on a decline.
“There is actually the need for us to think about doing something different and that is why the concept of learning hub gives us hope of something new that could help us focus better energy, innovation and creativity that we will pick from all the work that we do to makes things better.
“I want to pledge out commitment on behalf of the GAVI team for Nigeria and appreciate the partnership that you have shown us.”
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, expressed the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government at ensuring that the future health and well-being of Nigeria’s children are safeguarded through robust immunization practices.
According to him: “Our goal remains unwavering, to reach every eligible child and ensure that no child is left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
“It is in line with these efforts to reach children missed during COVID-19 that we will be rolling out the greatest catch-up campaign of all generations. We would be delivering on our commitment that no matter the reason or season, we will ensure every child gets the jab they need.
“We are gathered here for a milestone moment in the global fight against preventable diseases – the national launch of the GAVI Zero Dose Learning Hub. It is an honor to stand before you today, and I am deeply inspired by the collective commitment that has brought us here.
“Nigeria, in partnership with GAVI, the vaccine alliance, stands as a pioneering nation in the implementation of this learning hub. It will not only serve as a catalyst for positive change within our borders but also as a role model to be replicated in other countries. We envision this learning hub becoming a cornerstone for progress.”
Speaking, the representative of the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Dr. Philip Talboy, said: “On behalf of the CDC, I want to convey our full support to the Zero dose learning hub that is being launched today.
“The work that you will do here will generate evidence to guide reduction in the number of zero dose case of children.
It is the work that you do that make everything happen that we will achieve the needed goals.
“We are looking forward to working together to reduce the cases of zero dose in children. Together, we will achieve the goal of zero dose kids.”
