Webinar Alert!!

In commemoration of World Health Day 2025, the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), with support from Gavi and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), hosted a high-level multi-stakeholder validation workshop in Abuja. The event focused on validating the economic analysis and investment case for immunization in Nigeria and strengthening strategies to reach zero-dose children across the country.

Dr. Joy Aifuobhokhan, Operations Manager at Adeyemi Orphanage Relief (ADORE), represented the organization at this timely and impactful convening.

The workshop began with opening prayers and goodwill messages from key institutions including the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, and GHAI.

Speakers collectively emphasized the importance of:

• Viewing immunization as a high-return public health investment.
• Increasing domestic budgetary allocations for immunization programs.
• Reducing overdependence on international donor funding.

A compelling idea discussed during the opening was framing immunization as a business case—a strategic investment with measurable economic and health outcomes.

PREACH Project Overview: Addressing the Zero-Dose Gap

The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) presented the PREACH Project (Partnership to Reach Zero-Dose Children), an advocacy initiative funded by Gavi. Currently in Phase 2, PREACH aims to improve domestic resource mobilization and accountability for immunization services in Nigeria.

Key Achievements from Phase 1 (2023):

• Full release of Nigeria’s immunization budgets for 2022 and 2023 (over N119 billion combined).
• A legislator-led stakeholder forum to boost immunization financing dialogue.
• Reduction in bureaucratic steps for vaccine fund release (from 27 to 23).
• Development of a comprehensive economic case for immunization, aligned with national PHC strategies.

Phase 2 Objectives:

• Advocate for the release of the remaining N87 billion for 2024.
• Ensure timely disbursement of the N231 billion allocated for 2025.
• Strengthen national and sub-national accountability frameworks.
• Reduce the number of children who receive no vaccines at all—commonly referred to as zero-dose children.

Making the Economic Case: Immunization as a Strategic Investment

Dr. Oluwole Smile, Program Director at CHECOD, led the presentation on the economic and public health benefits of immunization.

His session highlighted:

• Declining vaccine coverage rates and their long-term risks.
• Gaps in vaccine data across Nigeria’s states and LGAs.
• Introduction of the One Health Tool to standardize costing methodologies.
• The economic burden of preventable diseases and how scaling immunization coverage could reduce under-5 mortality by 2030.

The rapid investment case presented clear economic returns from improving immunization systems—demonstrating that strategic investment in vaccines can save both lives and resources.

Our Reflections and Recommendations

As an organization focused on the protection and development of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), ADORE aligns closely with the mission of PREACH and the national immunization strategy.



Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Alignment: ADORE's mission to protect vulnerable children reinforces the importance of reaching zero-dose children.
• Advocacy Engagement: There is an opportunity for ADORE to deepen its collaboration with legislators and health policymakers.
• Community-Level Data: ADORE is well-positioned to support community-level immunization data collection among OVCs.
• Resource Mobilization: The economic case shared can enhance ADORE's future funding proposals and donor engagement strategies.

ADORE's participation in this workshop affirms our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially in accessing lifesaving vaccines. By aligning with national immunization goals and leveraging advocacy, partnerships, and data, we remain dedicated to closing the immunization gap for the most vulnerable children in Nigeria.

We thank VNDC, Gavi, GHAI, and all stakeholders for their leadership in advancing immunization equity—and we look forward to contributing to these efforts through community engagement, advocacy, and strategic collaboration.