Nigeria has received a $9.26 million (Can) grant from the Canadian Government to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine service delivery is ramped-up, particularly to those most at risk of infection.
Key among these subgroups are the aged (50 years and above), people with comorbidities, the health workers, people living in humanitarian and security compromised communities and the pregnant women.
Lafiya360 reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria country office will, through the grant, provide technical support to strengthen health systems in the selected states.
It will also help ramp-up covid-19 vaccine demand and uptake in an integrated mode with routine immunization and other Primary Health Care (PHC) service.
The fifteen (15) states that will benefit from the grant includes: Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Kebbi, Katsina, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government during the launch of Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE) grant in Abuja, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic affected the world, and Nigeria was not spared. Although our case burden has not been as high as in other parts of the world, we have implemented measures, including vaccination, to break transmission within our communities and enhance immunity, particularly among the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, priority groups, and indeed the entire country.
“The COVID-19 vaccination program was launched in Nigeria on March 5, 2021, and thanks to the support of the federal government, state governments, and all our partners, we have reached over 75 per cent of the target population of individuals aged 18 and above with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“While we have made significant progress, we still have work to do. Several states have primary series coverage below 70 per cent, and booster doses account for just over 20 per cent of vaccinations. Therefore, this grant targets states with lower performance and aims to reach high-priority populations.
“The grant, to be implemented through the World Health Organization (WHO), will also contribute to strengthening the health system, addressing service delivery inequities and gender disparities at the sub-national level. We are confident that WHO will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to enhance vaccine delivery, distribution, and public confidence, as well as generate demand.”
In his remarks, the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the WHO with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria for Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity, also.known as CanGIVE. This important project is another example of Canada’s historical and institutional relationship with the WHO to support Nigeria in the critical work for preventing diseases and protecting those at risk.
“CanGIVE is designed to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine delivery systems to reach high priority and marginalized groups; enhance integration of COVID-19 vaccine to routine health service; and scale up regional vaccine production capacity. It will also target improved access to COVID-19 vaccines.”
The Country Representative of WHO, Dr. Walter Mulombo added, “The country has made progress in the fight against COVID-19. As of 17 July 2023, 77,285, 627 persons in Nigeria have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination, with, 87,838,137 persons receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and 16,011,524 of those who have completed the primary series have received a booster dose of the vaccine.
“Despite this achievement, there is still more work to be done. As of now, 14 states are performing less than 50 per cent vaccination coverage of their target population, and we still have some vulnerable populations that are not sufficiently covered.
“The WHO Director General’s declaration that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concerns (PHEIC) marks a turning point in the pandemic. The declaration does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global/national health threat.
“Though considerable achievements have been made, we are still at risk of the infection as cases are still being reported in a number of countries. I would like to take this opportunity to caution all of us on the need to continue protecting ourselves by completing the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination and for those who have completed to continue with the booster dose schedule.”