Save the Children International has called for increased domestic funding and stronger stakeholder engagement to sustain child immunisation programmes in Nigeria, warning that declining donor support could undermine progress.
Speaking at an advocacy meeting in Lagos, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the BOOST project, Itunu Dave-Agboola, urged immunisation advocates to broaden their outreach and secure commitments from government and private sector stakeholders.
She said the initiative aims to improve routine immunisation and reduce the number of “zero-dose” and under-immunised children, particularly in underserved communities.
According to her, dwindling external funding makes it critical for Nigeria to develop sustainable, locally driven financing mechanisms.
“We need to learn how to stand on our own, even if donor funding disappears completely,” she said, stressing the need for increased investment not only in funding but also in healthcare personnel, logistics, vaccine supply chains and transport systems.
Dave-Agboola also highlighted gaps in healthcare infrastructure, noting that some wards in Lagos still lack basic health facilities, limiting access to vaccination services.
She cited population pressure in areas such as Alimosho as a major challenge, with existing resources stretched by demand.Officials said outreach programmes are being expanded to reach hard-to-access communities, including projects currently underway in parts of Kano State.
Meanwhile, a senior official at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Kelvin Otumunye, called for targeted engagement with major private sector organisations to support immunisation funding and interventions.
Concerns Over Health Worker Attitude
Participants at the meeting also raised concerns about the attitude of some health workers, noting that patients—especially volunteers—are sometimes neglected.
To encourage participation, stakeholders suggested introducing special identification cards for volunteers to enable them access free healthcare services, thereby attracting more support for immunization efforts.
In response, Andy Lateefah, representing Monitoring and Evaluation at the State Ministry of Health, pledged to relay the recommendations to the Permanent Secretary for consideration.