There are strong indications that Nigeria’s attempt to tackle several childhood diseases may be affected following the decision of the lawmakers to slash budgetary allocation for immunization. The National Assembly slashed the budget for routine immunisation including eradication of poliomyelitis.
Dr Aminu Magashi-Garba, Lead Project Director of the Routine Immunisation Sector of the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family, made the revelation at a news conference in Lagos on Friday. Magashi-Garba, who is also Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network, said: “the National Assembly during its review and passage of the 2016 budget slashed funding for routine immunisation and polio eradication.
“President Muhammadu Buhari submitted a budget of eight billion naira for the funding of routine immunisation and polio eradication. But the budget that came back from the National Assembly was cut by about 50 per cent. There is need for the legislature to understand the intricacies of immunisation financing and support fulfillment of the government of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable immunisation at all levels.”
According to Magashi-Garba, the reduction of the budget would have negative consequences.
“It means that we are going to have shortage of vaccine procurement this year and early next year if enough funds are not available for the vaccines to be procured completely,” he said. “This also poses a problem because the funding was tied to two international commitments and it will also create a serious challenge in the sector in ensuring that all eligible children are immunised.
“Consequently, children in communities will not be able to have complete immunisation against measles, polio, whooping cough, pertussis, meningitis and other childhood killer diseases.
“Immunisation is the way to go to save lives of our children, reduce cost of health care and give the children the opportunity to live up to their potential.”
