Posted on: Mon 28-04-2025

With rising cases of vaccine-preventable diseases globally, one wonders: Is Nigeria prepared for what could come next? The World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi have sounded a grave warning—immunisation efforts worldwide are facing serious threats from misinformation, funding cuts, humanitarian crises, and population growth. Yet, despite these clear signals, is the Federal Government (FG) moving swiftly enough to protect the health of Nigerians?

In a joint statement, these global health bodies raised alarms about the resurgence of diseases like measles, meningitis, diphtheria, and yellow fever—many of which were once on the verge of elimination. They stressed that urgent and sustained political attention and investment are critical to safeguarding the gains made over the past 50 years.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that funding cuts are jeopardising decades of progress. "Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing around the world," he said. Should Nigeria not be at the forefront of reinvesting in immunisation now, rather than waiting for a public health disaster?

Global Trends, Local Warnings

The statistics are alarming:

• Measles cases rose by 20% in 2023.
• Meningitis cases in Africa surged significantly into 2025.
• Yellow fever outbreaks have returned to regions that had seen declines.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the picture is no better. Despite the 2020 achievement of being declared free from Wild Polio Virus (WPV), the country is battling circulating variant poliovirus (cVPV2), meningitis, diphtheria, M-Pox, and recurring measles outbreaks. According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), 17 cVPV2 cases have already been recorded across 15 local governments this year.

Should the Federal Government not have anticipated these developments, especially given previous experience with delayed responses to health crises?

Funding and Immunisation: A Ticking Time Bomb

USAID’s funding freeze has already started to bite, with local health experts like Chika Offor warning about shortfalls in vaccine availability and distribution. If we cannot fund immunisation adequately now, how will we cope when the outbreaks worsen?

Experts like Ibrahim Oloriegbe and Mohammed Usman have echoed the same call: Consistent vaccine financing, improved cold chain infrastructure, and local vaccine production are urgent priorities. Yet, progress remains painfully slow.

The Economic and Human Cost of Inaction

Vaccines are not just about saving lives; they are economically smart. For every dollar invested, vaccination returns $54 in health and economic benefits. So why is immunisation funding still not a national emergency?

The risk of inaction is immense. Resurgences in rubella, measles, and diphtheria could devastate communities and set Nigeria’s development goals back by years. Must we wait for a full-scale outbreak before recognising that immunisation is a pillar of national security?

What Needs to Happen – Now

Nigeria must act decisively. WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF are clear: we need to strengthen primary healthcare, secure consistent funding, invest in vaccine stockpiles, and improve disease surveillance. Experts are calling for:

• Prompt release and increase of immunisation budgets.
• Routinisation of vaccines at local government levels.
• A robust national emergency response framework.
• Stronger local vaccine production capabilities.
• Enhanced surveillance and health system strengthening to detect and contain outbreaks early.

As Dr. Mohammad Lecky and Dr. Joseph Enegela argue, preparedness is non-negotiable. In times of "peace," we must prepare for "war" against disease outbreaks.

A Final Call to Action

Nigeria cannot afford to gamble with the health of its children and communities. The upcoming Gavi high-level pledging summit on June 25, 2025, aims to raise US$9 billion to protect millions of children globally.

Will the Federal Government rise to the occasion, champion immunisation financing, and truly safeguard the nation’s future?

Or will Nigeria, once again, be caught unprepared?

The time to act is now.

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