Health
FG vaccine fund runs into crisis, AstraZeneca scarcity hits India
· Nigeria may go for Pfizer which costs $20 per dose; AstraZeneca, $4
· WHO may review usage of expired COVID-19 vaccine for Nigeria, others
There are strong indications that a crisis has hit Nigeria’s moves to procure more COVID-19 vaccine doses as the budget estimates for the procurement are grossly inadequate.
It was gathered on Sunday that the budget estimates the Ministry of Health submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning were based on AstraZeneca vaccine, which is $4 per dose.
Findings, however, indicated that because of the scarcity of AstraZeneca vaccine, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis in India, Nigeria might opt for Pfizer vaccine, which is $20 per dose.
It was learnt that with the cash crunch facing the country, it might be difficult to get additional funds to purchase all the Pfizer vaccine doses needed.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had at a meeting with the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in March said he would submit to the National Assembly, a supplementary budget for arms purchase and COVID-19 vaccines.
But the National Assembly on Sunday told The PUNCH that it was still awaiting the supplementary budget.
Recall that the Federal Government on March 2 received 3.9 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX, an initiative co-led by the Vaccine Alliance, GAVI, and the World Health Organisation.
The initiative seeks to ensure equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine by dividing about two billion doses across 92 low-and middle-income countries.
As of May 1, 1,222, 109 Nigerians had been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
India, which manufactures Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, has halted its export following the spread of a devastating strain of the virus in the country.
According to a BBC report, 190 countries that are under the Covax scheme are likely to be affected as India battles to meet its local vaccine needs.
On Sunday, India recorded 3,689 COVID-19 deaths, 24 hours after it recorded more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases in a single day for the first time.
According to the CNN, several Indian states were forced to postpone their vaccination plans on Saturday due to supply shortages.
On Sunday, it was learnt the Federal Ministry of Health’s budget proposal, which was based on AstraZeneca vaccine, might be increased so that the fund could be used to procure Pfizer vaccine.
A top health official, who spoke to The PUNCH on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the press, said the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, were estimates of AstraZeneca which are now scarce.
The official said with the scarcity of AstraZeneca, which cost about $4 per dose, Nigeria may opt for Pfizer, the only other vaccine which had been approved by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control.
She said, “The estimates we submitted were for AstraZeneca which is the cheapest vaccine on the market. We estimated that each dose would cost $4.
“However, with the scarcity of AstraZeneca, we may have to opt for Pfizer. Unfortunately, Pfizer will cost us about $20 per dose and each person will need two doses. That is $40 per person. They are now talking about a booster jab which will cost an extra $20. In essence, it may cost $60 (N24,600) to vaccinate one Nigerian.
“This problem is not peculiar to Nigeria, but this is what we are facing now due to the scarcity of vaccines. Also, I am sure you are aware that Nigeria is facing a scarcity of funds. So, advocacy remains our best strategy. These are non-pharmaceutical interventions like wearing masks, social distancing and washing of hands.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had in a memo last week stated that it would be making no contribution to the Federation Account because of its huge oil subsidy payments, a situation which has put the government in panic mode.
In a related development, it was learnt that over a month after the Ministry of Health had submitted its COVID-19 budget estimates to the finance ministry, the proposal had not yet been submitted to the National Assembly.
The Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, had on March 31 told State House reporters that the health component of the supplementary budget – which included vaccine estimates – was being delayed by the failure of the Ministry of Defence to submit its own estimates for military hardware.
When asked the time the finance ministry would send the COVID-19 supplementary budget to the National Assembly, the media aide to the finance minister, Yunusa Abdullahi, told one of our correspondents that he would respond later.
He had yet to provide the response up till the time of filing this report neither had he replied to a text message sent to him on the matter.
Also, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, did not take his calls when The PUNCH attempted to get his reaction to the crisis over the vaccine budget.
He also did not respond to the text message sent to him on the matter.
In the text message, the minister was asked if it was true that the WHO met with him and some others to review the usage of expiring COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria and whether it was also true that the scarcity of AstraZeneca would increase the nation’s budget for vaccine as Nigeria might opt for a more expensive vaccine, Pfizer.
He has yet to either return the calls or respond to the text message as of the time of filing this report at 9.30pm.
WHO may review usage of expired COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria, others
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation will this week consult Indian health authorities to determine if expired AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can be used for countries like Nigeria which benefit from its COVAX facility.
The Director, WHO, Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, stated this during an interview with select journalists on Thursday.
The idea, it was learnt, had been discussed with all ministers of health in Africa including Nigeria’s Health Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire.
The PUNCH was informed that the move had become necessary due to the scarcity of AstraZeneca vaccine caused by the recent surge in COVID-19 infections in India which is the manufacturer of the vaccine.
Moeti said, “On Tuesday I met with ministers in the African region to discuss key issues, particularly around expiring doses, supply shortages, vaccine safety and misinformation. The WHO is awaiting additional stability data from the Serum Institute of India to determine if the shelf life of AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses can be extended from six months to nine months.
“For doses that have already expired, the WHO is looking closely at the regulatory, scientific, logistical and problematic challenges and will issue a statement next week (this week).”
The BBC had reported last week that many vaccines could be used up to 36 months after manufacture, but because COVID-19 jabs are relatively new, there is not enough data to prove their effectiveness over longer periods.
The British medium noted that the WHO had in April urged African countries not to destroy COVID-19 vaccines that might have passed their expiry date but keep hold of them and wait for further guidance.
The PUNCH reports that the WHO may this week determine if Nigeria can extend usage of its over 1.5 million doses which are expected to expire between June 28 and July 10, 2021.
The WHO regional director said, “We are encouraging countries to prioritise the first dose to reach more people rather than saving supplies for the second dose.
“It is imperative that the available doses are used as quickly as possible to protect people from severe disease and death due to COVID-19.”
Govs await FG, states running out of vaccine stocks
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, stated, “Most manufacturers of these vaccines do not want to deal with sub-national, they want to deal directly with the Federal Government. So, we have to wait, no matter the situation on what the Federal Government wants to do.”
“We are a sub-national, before we take any step we have to go through the Federal Government. The FG has some policies about vaccination which we must follow. We are still waiting for the Federal Government before we make decision on vaccine importation.”
Bauchi State Government has declared that it has no plans to buy additional COVID-19 vaccine doses for the state.
The Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rilwan Mohammed, told one of our correspondents that the state government had just received additional 24,000 doses of the vaccine from the Federal Government in addition to the earlier 80,570 doses it received.
Mohammed, who is the Contact and Surveillance Sub-Committee Chairman, Bauchi State Task Force on COVID-19 said, “Bauchi State is not ready to import any COVID-19 vaccine because the Federal Government just yesterday (Saturday), released additional 24,000 doses to us. This is in addition to the 80,570 we had earlier received.”
On its part, the Sokoto State said this week it would exhaust the remaining doses of the vaccine it had.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Inname, told one of our correspondents that out of the 68,660 vaccines the state received, it had exhausted 34,000, on 21,000 people.
Inname stated, “Plans have been concluded to take the remaining vaccine doses to all the local government areas in the state. This will be done in the next ten days, to exhaust the remaining 34,000 doses.”
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Public Health, Dr. ‘Siji Olamiju, stated, “Once we know Federal Government’s plan, I can assure you that the state government of Osun will be the first to kick start process of getting vaccine because Mr Governor places high premium on the healthy living of the residents.”
Also, the Akwa Ibom State commissioner of Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, said that vaccines were only available to countries, not states.
He said “Yes, plans are still in place to bring in vaccines by the country. Vaccines are available only to countries, not states.”
The Kano State Coordinator of the Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Tijjani Husain, said that it was the sole responsibility of the Federal Government to provide COVID-19 vaccine doses to the states.
He disclosed that the Federal Government recently provided 10,000 additional doses of the vaccine to Kano State after it exhausted the 209,520 doses of the Oxford Astrazenica vaccine it received earlier.
We are still expecting COVID-19 vaccine budget from executive – Senate
Meanwhile, the Senate on Sunday it was still expecting the supplementary budget for the purpose of procuring additional COVID-19 vaccines from the executive.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, stated this in an interview with one of our correspondents.
Asked for the update on the plans by the Federal Government to procure additional vaccines, Utazi said, “We are still expecting the supplementary budget from the executive arm of government.”
In 2024, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed that Nigeria had about 55,000 licensed doctors.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Pate disclosed that no fewer than 16,000 doctors had left the country in the past five years, while about 17,000 others had been transferred out of active service.
Worrisomely, a new revelation by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, indicates that the number of practising doctors in Nigeria has declined from 55,000 to 40,000 within just one year.
In his presentation at a one-day leadership dialogue in Lagos themed “Strengthening PHC Systems: A Joint Leadership Dialogue,” Abayomi identified manpower shortage as one of the most critical challenges facing the health sector.
The dialogue, organised by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board with support from development partners, addressed barriers hindering PHCs from meeting expectations and proposed practical solutions for building sustainable PHCs with lasting impact.
Abayomi stated that Lagos currently has only 7,000 doctors serving an estimated 30 million residents, far below the number needed for optimal care delivery.
The commissioner raised concerns over the acute shortage of health workers in the state, disclosing that the state requires an additional 33,000 doctors to meet the healthcare demands of its growing population.
“Nigeria currently has about 40,000 doctors against an estimated need of 300,000, while Lagos alone requires about 33,000 doctors but has only about 7,000,” he said.
According to him, Lagos’ doctor-to-population ratio remains far below what is required for optimal healthcare delivery, noting that the state’s doctors are serving an estimated population of nearly 30 million people.
To address the shortfall, Abayomi said the state government is investing in its newly established University of Medicine and Health.
“Within five years, UMH will produce about 2,500 healthcare workers annually, including laboratory scientists and other essential cadres,” he stated.
The mass exodus of healthcare professionals popularly known as japa syndrome, especially doctors, nurses, and pharmacists has remained a major concern in Nigeria.
A 2017 survey conducted by a Nigerian polling organisation in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch revealed that about 88 per cent of Nigerian doctors were seeking job opportunities abroad at the time.
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, recently warned that Nigeria has moved beyond passive brain drain and has become a direct recruitment hub for foreign governments seeking skilled medical professionals.
In an interview, Audu revealed that international recruiters now visit Nigeria to directly hire doctors—particularly specialists such as obstetricians, gynaecologists, and paediatricians—offering them superior working conditions, remuneration, and infrastructure.
He lamented that while Nigeria’s population continues to grow and mortality rates remain high, the country is losing specialists at an alarming rate.
“Many of our doctors are not even going abroad to look for jobs. Foreign governments now come into Nigeria to pick doctors and take them away,” Audu said.
“We are still having more births, yet maternal deaths remain high because the skilled birth attendants who should care for these women are reducing every day.”
Audu added that in some specialties, the number of Nigerian doctors practising abroad may already exceed those still working within the country, a situation worsened by the government’s failure to significantly improve doctors’ welfare despite existing policy frameworks.
Experts have warned that with the current pace of emigration, it would be impossible for Nigeria to produce enough health workers to meet its growing healthcare demands. They estimate that it would take at least 20 years to train the over 400,000 health workers required to close the gap.
A former President of the NMA, Prof. Mike Ogirima, described Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio as “horrible,” noting that the country currently has about one doctor to 8,000 patients—far below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients.
Nigerian health communication researcher, Ifesinachi Ayogu, has attributed the rising number of cancer-related deaths in the country to the neglect of routine self-breast examination among women and routine Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing among men.
Ayogu told journalists on Monday that the failure to prioritise regular screening had contributed significantly to late detection of breast and prostate cancers, which are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.
He said many cancer cases were only discovered when the disease had reached advanced stages, making treatment more complex and survival chances lower.
According to him, the increasing burden of cancer deaths calls for a more intentional and sustained approach to cancer awareness, early detection, and preventive health behaviour.
“Early detection saves lives, but many people are not practising simple, routine screening that could help detect cancer early,” Ayogu said.
He noted that breast cancer and prostate cancer were often manageable when detected early, but ignorance, fear, stigma, and limited awareness continued to discourage people from carrying out regular checks.
The researcher explained that self-breast examination allows women to notice unusual lumps or changes early, while routine PSA testing helps detect prostate abnormalities before symptoms become severe.
Ayogu said deaths resulting from breast and prostate cancers were often preventable, stressing that delayed diagnosis was a major factor contributing to high mortality rates.
He added that many Nigerians still lacked basic information on how to conduct self-breast examinations, when to go for PSA tests, and where to seek appropriate medical care.
The health communication researcher emphasised the need for community-based education, especially in rural areas, using trusted platforms such as churches, markets, women’s groups, and radio programmes to promote routine screening practices.
He also urged healthcare providers and public health institutions to intensify public education on cancer prevention and ensure that screening information was simple, accurate, and accessible.
Ayogu advised individuals with a family history of breast or prostate cancer to be particularly vigilant about routine screening and healthy lifestyle practices.
He stressed that promoting routine self-breast examination and PSA testing would play a critical role in reducing late presentation and improving cancer survival outcomes in Nigeria.
Ifeshinachi Ayogu is a PhD graduate student, at the University of Oklahoma United States of America, his core interest is cancer communication, according to him, he believes that the next breakthroughs in cancer care for Nigerian women and men will not come from medicine alone.
The Federal Government said it had intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all points of entry in response to the ongoing outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Akpan Nse, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday.
Nse also noted that additional staff had been employed to strengthen border surveillance in the country.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers, had been reported as of September 5, 2025.
The outbreak comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa is grappling with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera, malnutrition, and population displacement.
The DRC’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred in the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.
It was brought under control within three months.
In Kasai Province, previous Ebola outbreaks were reported in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the country has experienced 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.
Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans.
It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (believed to be the natural hosts). Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects, or the body of someone who died from the disease.
In the ongoing outbreak, samples tested on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the capital, Kinshasa, confirmed that the cause was Ebola Zaire, a strain of the Ebola virus.
Dr Nse noted that although Nigeria was at risk of importing the virus due to high levels of international travel with the DRC, Port Health Services was on alert and had strengthened surveillance to prevent this.
He said, “We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry across the country—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveller coming from Congo to Nigeria is thoroughly screened, and we collect their medical history through mandatory forms.
“We have also reactivated our portals. Every passenger on every flight coming to Nigeria from Congo is screened upon arrival. This applies to airports, seaports, and land borders. Even if passengers transit through Congo on their way to Nigeria, they must undergo screening.
“In addition, with support from WHO, we have recruited more staff to enhance surveillance. Increasing the workforce allows us to effectively prevent the importation of the virus and ensure thorough screening at all borders.”
He added that some private organisations had partnered the Federal Government to ensure that thermal scanners at airports remained fully functional.
Meanwhile, the WHO has released $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the response to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the DR Congo.
Announcing this at a media briefing on global health issues on Friday, the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, disclosed that 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths had been reported so far, including four health workers.
He highlighted that the UN body already had staff on the ground in Kasai, with more on the way.
“We’re joining rapid response teams to trace contacts and find cases; we’re collecting and testing samples, and we’re providing technical expertise in surveillance, infection prevention and control, treatment, risk communication, and more. WHO has also delivered personal protective equipment, laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and a mobile laboratory.
“We had previously prepositioned 2000 doses of Ebola vaccine in Kinshasa, which we are releasing to vaccinate contacts and health workers. This is the 16th outbreak of Ebola in the DRC, and the government has rich experience from those previous outbreaks,” the WHO boss stated.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the country has recorded a total of 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, and 74 deaths from 22 states as of March 26, 2025
The NCDC stated that the Case Fatality Rate is at 9.2 per cent as of March 26, 2025.3.27
The centre disclosed this in a statement titled: “CSM outbreak: NCDC rapid response teams in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states,” signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, on Thursday.
It said its Rapid Response Teams are already in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states in response to the ongoing outbreak of CSM.
It noted that the deployment follows a significant increase in suspected cases reported from these states.
“As of 26th March 2025, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been reported across 22 states, with a CFR of 9.2 per cent.
“Affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, FCT, and Sokoto.
Idris emphasised the importance of personal safety and instructed all team members to strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols throughout the response effort.
“The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already in the affected states and working closely with the state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
“Key objectives of the response include rapid containment of the outbreak; strengthening case management and IPC measures; enhancing surveillance and sample collection; conducting risk communication and community engagement activities; and identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending appropriate public health actions.
“The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments and partners to safeguard the health of Nigerians through timely and effective response to public health threats,” he stated.
Health
WHO Lauds Enugu’s Healthcare Innovations, Declares Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike Most Pro-Health Chair
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Enugu State for its outstanding leadership in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), recognizing the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, as the most Pro-Health Mayor in Enugu State.
This recognition came during the official flag-off of the Enugu East Health Insurance Scheme at the Enugu Type Two Primary Health Care Center in Emene. The WHO South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, highlighted the initiative as a groundbreaking model, marking the first time a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria has committed substantial resources toward community-wide healthcare access.
Dr. Igboekwu emphasized that Enugu East’s proactive approach aligns with global best practices, strengthening health security and enhancing economic growth through a healthier workforce. He applauded Enugu State’s strategic healthcare reforms, positioning it as a front-runner in the drive for Universal Health Coverage.
In his remarks, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike revealed that the newly launched scheme will enroll 5,000 elderly residents—both indigenes and non-indigenes aged 60 and above—into the State Universal Health Coverage program. The initiative, set to run from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, guarantees free healthcare services for these beneficiaries.
The Mayor expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State for spearheading a wave of disruptive innovations across multiple sectors, particularly in healthcare. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to aligning with the state government’s vision, stating, “When you have a Governor delivering over a thousand projects concurrently, you must take steps to keep up with his momentum.”
As part of this commitment, Engr. Anike disclosed that his administration has also commenced the construction of Type One Primary Healthcare Centers in Neke-Uno and Obinagu Nike communities, with approval secured for three additional centers across Enugu East LGA.
Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, described the initiative as a monumental achievement, emphasizing its life-changing impact on the elderly population. Similarly, Dr. Edith Okolo, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Health Insurance Scheme, hailed the project as a historic milestone, ensuring that 5,000 people in Enugu East LGA will receive free healthcare for an entire year.
The event also had in attendance notable dignitaries, including the Member Representing Enugu East Rural Constituency, Hon. Raymond Ugwu; the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani; Member 4 of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke; the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rotarian Dr. Sunday; the PDP Chairman in Enugu East LGA, Hon. Okey Igbokwe, among others.
These stakeholders echoed WHO’s commendation, applauding the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to quality medical services.
Enugu State’s healthcare innovations continue to set a precedent, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in Universal Health Coverage and community-centered healthcare policies.
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