Gavi pledges $250m grant for Nigeria’s vaccine initiatives

In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged a $250 million grant to support vaccine initiatives in the country.

This announcement followed a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and a delegation from Gavi, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sania Nishtar.

During the State House meeting, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration between Gavi and potential Nigerian vaccine manufacturers to ensure widespread access to life-saving vaccines.

Noting the challenges faced by developing nations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tinubu pointed out the capability and readiness of Nigerian professionals to contribute to vaccine production.

He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations for routine vaccine procurement and directed key ministries to facilitate the release of necessary funds.

He reiterated his administration’s dedication to eradicating preventable childhood diseases through comprehensive vaccination programs.

In his response, Dr. Nishtar commended Nigeria’s proactive healthcare initiatives and expressed readiness to collaborate with the government to enhance health outcomes.

She highlighted Gavi’s commitment to addressing vaccine inequity in Africa through initiatives such as the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, which is earmarked at $1 billion and aims to bolster the continent’s vaccine production capabilities.

As a result, she disclosed that Gavi would be providing grant support of $250 million to Nigeria.

The GAVI CEO further disclosed to the President that the GAVI Board is scheduled to convene in the upcoming weeks to deliberate on policy matters that will shape Nigeria’s future assistance from the organization, extending beyond 2028.