Nigeria expands malaria vaccine program amid funding challenges
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria is expanding its malaria vaccination program to additional states, including Bauchi and Ondo, following initial pilot phases in Bayelsa and Kebbi. This expansion is part of a broader effort to integrate malaria vaccination into routine immunization in high-burden areas. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, noted that while the agency receives funding from federal allocations and development partners like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, external support is declining, necessitating increased domestic financing. Vaccine financing covers not only procurement but also outbreak response, logistics, waste management, and cold chain equipment, with operational costs representing a significant government investment. A key challenge for the malaria vaccine is its four-dose schedule, requiring consistent follow-up to ensure full protection and address concerns about dropouts between doses. As of the first quarter of 2026, nearly 1.3 million children have received at least one dose across the implementing states, with over 600,000 vaccine doses currently stored in the national cold chain system. Dr. Aina emphasized that vaccines are effective, safe, and undergo strict testing and regulatory evaluation, calling for sustained public confidence in immunization programs. The success of the program will depend on improved domestic financing, stronger logistics, and ensuring children complete the full four-dose schedule.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Oyo State Government has initiated a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme to educate teachers on environmental education and climate action, with over 300 educators expected to participate. This program, a collaboration between the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project, aims to enhance teachers' understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability. Ademola Aderinto, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted teachers as crucial for promoting climate awareness among children, emphasizing their role in shaping future generations. He noted that while climate literacy is not yet a standalone subject, teachers can integrate environmental consciousness into their lessons. The Commissioner also warned about various climate threats beyond flooding, such as heatwaves, land degradation, erratic weather, and food insecurity, stressing that education and proper environmental practices can mitigate their impact. The state has also strengthened environmental regulation enforcement and introduced a whistleblower mechanism for reporting violations. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Permanent Secretary Toyin Oyinloye, described the program as a strategic investment. Lulu Akindele, Chief Sustainability Officer of Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, stat
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria ALTON has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC to establish a clear framework for regulating airtime and data credit services. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo made the call following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos that affirmed the FCCPC's authority to regulate these services alongside the NCC's powers. The court ruled that the relationship between the two regulators is complementary, stating that "concurrency means coexistence, not displacement." The judgment preserved the NCC's exclusive responsibility for telecommunications licensing and technical regulation while affirming the FCCPC's powers under its 2018 Act. Adebayo welcomed the decision, noting it provides clarity for operators, and urged both commissions to engage industry stakeholders through formal consultations before taking enforcement actions. He highlighted that 40 million Nigerians rely on these services and referenced the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council's directive requiring Regulatory Impact Assessments for significant regulatory changes.
Lie Siu Luan, 70, the leader of a baby trafficking ring operating in Indonesia and Singapore, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Presiding judge Gatot Ardian Agustriono stated that Lie was found guilty of committing crimes for exploitation. The sentence is less than the 10 years prosecutors had sought. Lie had previously admitted to the court that she sent at least 12 babies to Singapore. According to the indictment, she trafficked a baby to Singapore for adoption in 2022, earning approximately S$17,000. Another defendant, Astri Fitrinika, received a sentence of six years and seven months for a similar charge. The arrests occurred last year after a parent reported a baby kidnapping in West Java province. Police rescued several infants held by the syndicate before they could be sold, while other children, rejected by clients in Singapore, were sold within Indonesia, including to adoptive parents in Jakarta.