Health

CSO, stakeholders urge timely release of immunisation funding

Published

3 months ago

August 5, 2025

The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), a civil society organisation, has called on all tiers of government to prioritise the timely release of funds for immunisation.

It said doing so is crucial to safeguarding child health and preventing disease outbreaks across Nigeria.

Speaking at a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday, themed “If You Have to Make a Choice, Choose Immunisation! Making a Case for Immunisation,” Mrs Chika Offor, Chief Executive Officer of VNDC, addressed the importance of immunisation.

She described it as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, capable of reducing child mortality, preventing disease outbreaks, and promoting a healthier society.

According to her, immunisation reduces child mortality, prevents disease outbreaks, and contributes to a healthier and more productive society.

Offor expressed concern over delayed funding, which she said exposed millions of children to vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and meningitis and creates a risk of vaccine stockouts.

“More than one million children under five remain at risk of dying from diseases that routine immunisation could prevent,” she said.

She called for the immediate release of the N108 billion outstanding for 2024 and full disbursement of the N231.7 billion allocated for immunisation in the 2025 budget.

“We understand the constraints of the fiscal space, but if a choice must be made, please choose immunisation,” she urged.

Offor also called on state governments to adopt sustainable frameworks for routine and emergency immunisation financing, while ensuring efficient utilisation of allocated funds.

“Policymakers must also ensure that the national policy environment supports timely allocation and release of immunisation resources,” she added.

Also speaking, Mr Muhammed Usman, former Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, said the non-release of appropriated funds reflected a lack of prioritisation of immunisation.

“It is not enough to make budgetary provisions without prompt releases. This discourages parliamentarians from allocating more funds in future cycles,” he warned.

Usman added that failure to release funds appropriated for 2024 and 2025 could undermine confidence in the budgeting process and weaken legislative support for health financing.

On his part, Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan, Country Coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), stressed the economic value of vaccines.

“Every one dollar invested in immunisation generates a forty-four dollar return.

“The cost of not immunising is enormous. Human capital is our most valuable resource, and protecting it starts with immunisation.”

Alhassan joined other stakeholders in calling on the government to prioritise immunisation financing to secure the health and future of Nigerian children. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Health

APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.

Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.

Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.

Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.

Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.

“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.

“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.

He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.

“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.

“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.

Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.

“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.

Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.

“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.

He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.

The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.

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