…to focus on zero-dose children
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with Gavi the vaccine alliance, launched the Health System Strengthening Phase 3 (HSS-3) in Abuja on Friday.
Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina explained that the HSS-3 will help to consolidate the achievements of the previous HSS, 1 and 2.
He stated that the HSS-3 is a critical tool to achieve the pillar 3 priority of the ministry of health that focuses on effective frontline health security through the PHC system, with a vision of not leaving any child unimmunized.
He highlighted several achievements of the previous HSS,1 and 2, particularly on the expanded access to life-saving vaccines, and
stated that NPHCDA and other stakeholders are undertaking a number of reforms, including the Identify, Enumerate and Vaccinate (IEV) strategy to drastically reduce the number of zero-dose children, and improve the quality of health campaigns to address the incidences of outbreaks due to gaps in routine immunization and campaigns.
Dr. Aina assured that with the implementation of the HSS-3, Nigerians would begin to see more positive and citizen-focused improvements in immunization and other PHC services across the country, thus urging all stakeholders to join the implementation of the Gavi HSS-3 for the benefit of the country and humanity in general.
Alex de Jonquieres, Gavi Director of Health Systems and Immunization Strengthening, in his remarks, noted that Nigeria is home to the largest number of children who have not received a single dose of routine vaccines in the world, and this often results in repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths.
“To address this, we are launching Gavi’s next HSS-3 grant with another $191m of funding over the next four years. This grant is one of the largest ever made by Gavi, and it’s intended to help extend the reach of the health system to 1.8 million zero-dose children and increase immunization coverage to 84 per cent by 2028.
“This grant was designed by the Government of Nigeria through an inclusive planning process across FMoH, NPHCDA and other agencies at the federal and state levels and with support from WHO, UNICEF, many other partners and civil society and private sector organizations. It received strong endorsement from our technical review panel for its strategic vision, digital innovation, and focus on sustainability. The National Traditional Leaders’ Committee will be a key partner in helping amplify these efforts at the sub-national level.
“In addition, we are also investing close to $100m this year in a vaccination campaign to protect over 100 million children against measles and rubella, our largest ever such campaign. This support is designed to fully align with the pioneering Sector-Wide Approach and health sector reform programme being led by the coordinating minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, in her remarks, appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders to improving healthcare system of Nigeria, and also observed that despite progress made, there are gaps in the Nigerian health system.
She said: “We have observed a deficits in coordination and strategic integration of programs and interventions across governments; inadequacy of data and information systems; as well as limited capacities for effective financial management and accountability.”
She stressed the need for stronger leadership and management oversight, urging the government and private sectors to prioritize health financing; strengthen PHC services through expanding the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), ensure accountability in resource use, boost workforce capacity through training and improved working conditions, leverage partnerships globally for sustainable solutions, and scale up digital health solutions for efficient service delivery and data-driven decision-making.