Nigeria faces resurgence of polio, diphtheria, others

The provided text highlights the concerns raised by the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) regarding the delay in releasing immunization funds in Nigeria for the year 2023. The non-profit organization emphasizes the importance of timely funding to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as diphtheria and polio. The VNDC points out that an epidemic of vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, measles, and yellow fever, is currently ongoing in Nigeria.

Key points from the text include:

1. Funding Delay: The VNDC expresses concern over the delay in releasing the allocated funds for immunization programs in Nigeria, which poses a threat to public health.
2. Impact on Vulnerable Populations: The delay in releasing immunization funds is seen as particularly risky for the poor and vulnerable, including children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to severe consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases.
3. Budget Allocation: The immunization budget is described as a crucial component of overall health expenditure, aimed at ensuring vaccine availability, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and supporting comprehensive vaccination campaigns across the country.
4. Urgent Appeal: The VNDC calls on the Accountant General of the Federation to urgently release the cash-planned N60 billion 2023 Immunization Fund, emphasizing the importance of timely funds to sustain immunization efforts.
5. Potential Consequences: The text warns that failure to release the funds by December 31, 2023, may lead to the expiration of the funds, preventing their use for vaccine and device procurement. This, in turn, could result in a shortage of vaccines and a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
6. Positive Acknowledgment: While highlighting the concerns, the VNDC acknowledges the government’s commendable commitment to public health, as reflected in the allocation of funds to vital immunization programs and the introduction of new vaccines.
7. 2024 Budget: The organization notes an increase in the immunization budget from N69 billion in 2023 to N137.21 billion in 2024, expressing appreciation for the positive strides but emphasizing the need to address the pressing matter of delayed funds for 2023.
8. Malaria Vaccine Introduction: The approval for the introduction of the Malaria vaccine in 2024 is commended, but the text underscores the necessity for substantial budgetary allocations for immunization programs.

In summary, the text calls for urgent action to release immunization funds to avoid the potential negative consequences on public health and to ensure the continuation of successful vaccination programs in Nigeria.