FG spends $ 8 on vaccines for 144 million people
Nigeria may spend about $ 576 million on COVID-19 vaccine , was collected over the weekend.
The government plans to immunize 70 percent of Nigerians at risk of contracting the virus, said Dr. Faisal Shuaib, director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA).
The free vaccine to immunize 20% of those who will be vaccinated will be provided to the country and 91 other countries by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), he said.
The first batch of 100,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine from the COVAX facility will arrive in the country late this month or early next month. It will be used in two shots at 50,000 Nigerians.
To ensure that 50% of Nigerians are vaccinated, the government will have to pay $ 8 for two doses each.
According to the United Nations and the National Population Commission (NPC), Nigeria has a population of 206 million.
Nigeria’s goal is to vaccinate 70% (144.2 million) of its 206 million people.
At $ 8 for two doses per person, at least $ 576 million will be spent on vaccinations for 50% (72.1 million) of the 144.2 million people.
If a country decides to vaccinate half of its population, which is about 103 million, it will spend about $ 824 million.
Dr. Schuaib said: “The country expects only one vaccine (ie the COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer mRNA) will be delivered in the first shipment by the end of January / beginning of February.
“The country does not buy COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer or China. The country plans to receive COVID-19 vaccines from two (2) sources: GAVI and direct procurement from alternative sources (other manufacturers).
“From the source of the COVAX Facility, GAVI will support 92 eligible countries to immunize free of charge about 20% of their population in 2021.
“The governments of the participating countries will pay for additional doses over 20%, which will be provided by GAVI. Pfizer is one of the companies from which GAVI will receive a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines for distribution in 92 eligible countries (including Nigeria).
He added: “Since GAVI is expected to receive only about 20%, the country’s team is working with the Russian authorities to get more COVID 19 vaccines from them.
“In 2021, about $ 4.0 per dose was budgeted for the additional vaccine the country would need ($ 8.0 per person for two doses). …
“The federal government will be responsible for purchasing additional COVID-19 vaccines for 50% of the population and all operating costs for 70% of the population.”
The head of the NPHCDA said COVID-19 vaccination would not be mandatory but would be available to anyone targeted.
“And we advise / encourage all at-risk Nigerians to volunteer to vaccinate when vaccines are available. The vaccines to be used in the country are safe with a proven efficacy of over 90%.
“All vaccines purchased by the government to vaccinate citizens will go through NAFDAC for analysis before use.”
Schuaib said the federal government has created a Technical Working Group (TWG) to plan for successful COVID-19 immunization.
Dr. Shuaib is leading a technical working group that includes stakeholders involved in the COVID-19 response. These are: FMoH, NPHCDA, NCDC, NAFDAC, Federal Ministry of Finance, National Budget and Planning, Federal Ministry of Information, National Leadership Agency (NOA), NTA, CSO, professional organizations and the organized private sector. The rest of the members are development partners and donors.
WHO and other international NGOs / foundations will provide technical support to the group.
Speaking of the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Shuaib said prequalified COVID-19 vaccines will protect against most strains and reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease. It is better to reduce the risk than to refuse the vaccine.
He added: “There are over 80 strains of rotavirus, but only about 18 are significant strains that can cause serious illness. Available rotavirus vaccines can prevent infection with disease-causing strains.
“The coronavirus belongs to the SAR-2 group of viruses; and after the last epidemic, which claimed several lives around the world, many studies have been carried out. “
Source: – The Nation
