By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Canadian Government has launched the Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity, CanGIVE grant to upscale COVID – 19 vaccines in 15 low performing states in Nigeria.
The beneficiary states include Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo.
The Head of Mission and Representative of WHO in Nigeria,
Dr. Walter Kazadj Molumbo at the launch of the Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity, CanGIVE in Abuja yesterday said ,” the grant has come at the right time to help improve coverage and uptake of the vaccine among the priority populations in line with the current WHO SAGE roadmap on uses of COVID-19 vaccines.’
” The grant will be implemented in the 15 lowest performing states of Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo.”
It will help to mainstream and integrate gender – responsive, equity – based and human rights focused interventions that promote “leaving no one behind” agenda in the country, Mulombo disclosed.
The Canada Global Initiative, aims to support country-led efforts to expedite COVID-19 vaccine delivery and distribution among high-priority risk groups, increase vaccine confidence and generate demand.
CanGIVE focuses on community engagement, within the context of addressing inequities in service delivery and disparities in gender at sub-national geographical locations.
The grant will enable the WHO Nigeria country office to provide technical support to strengthen health systems, specially for data management and surveillance linked to the Transforming African Surveillance Systems (TASS) Flagship initiative, increase COVID-19 vaccine demand generation and uptake in an integrated mode with routine immunization and other PHC services.
Speaking on the strength of COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Nigeria, Molumbo disclosed that WHO and other partners through the Nation Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, had been able to put COVID-19 disease under control using strategies including SCALES 3.0, integration of COVID-19 into routine immunization, to make vaccine available to target population.
Nigeria recorded considerable progress against COVID-19, WHO agreed.
“As of 17 July 2023, 77,285, 627 persons in Nigeria have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination, with, 87,838,137 persons receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and 16,011,524 of those who have completed the primary series have received a booster dose of the vaccine. ”
The WHO Regional Lead noted that although there is an improvement , 14 states are performing less than 50 percent vaccination coverage of their target population, leaving some vulnerable populations that are not sufficiently covered.
These subgroups are the aged (50 years and above), people with co-morbidities, the health workers, people living in humanitarian and security compromised communities and the pregnant women.
Molumbo however noted that the declaration by WHO Director General that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concerns (PHEIC) does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global/national health threat.
He cautioned the public to continue protecting ourselves by completing the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination, while those who have completed their doses to continue with the booster dose schedule.
We shall continue to provide technical support to implement one health approach to preparedness and response, and integrate COVID-19 surveillance and response activities into routine health programmes, he said
He reiterated WHO’s commitment
to continue to collaborate with partners to support the government effort to ensure that the vulnerable population.
