Philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has urged Nigeria not to overly prioritize local vaccine manufacturing at the expense of other essential health products.
Gates shared this perspective on Tuesday during the quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) in Abuja.
The event, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), provided a platform for Gates to discuss the complexities involved in vaccine production compared to other health commodities that are urgently needed in the country. He emphasized that while Nigeria should aim to eventually produce vaccines, the focus should initially be on other health products that can offer more immediate benefits through local production.
Gates noted that the complexities of regulatory requirements and economies of scale make vaccines a challenging first choice for local manufacturing. He suggested that other health products might be more feasible for local entrepreneurs to produce, which could help improve availability and reduce costs.
He also highlighted the importance of assembling effective vaccination teams, emphasizing the need for diligent and trusted individuals who can follow up on noncompliance cases at the community level. Gates stressed that if results are lacking, necessary changes must be made.
In addition to discussing polio eradication, Gates underscored the critical role of routine immunizations in protecting children from diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles. He commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other leaders for their commitment to improving health outcomes and called for continued cooperation to increase immunization coverage across Nigeria.
Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Ali Pate, spoke about the transformative impact of vaccines, recognizing them as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that have saved millions of lives globally. He acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation, which has hindered vaccine uptake, and emphasized the vital role that traditional and religious leaders play in dispelling myths and garnering community support for vaccination programs.
Reflecting on the achievements of the National Traditional Leaders Council (NTLC), Pate praised their efforts over the past 15 years in combating polio and expanding vaccine coverage, which has significantly contributed to protecting Nigerian children from diseases like cervical cancer. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to local manufacturing through a presidential initiative aimed at enhancing the healthcare value chain.
Pate called for advancements in research, regulatory frameworks, and the local production of essential medical supplies, including vaccines and pharmaceuticals, to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. He also outlined plans for coordinated immunization campaigns with neighboring countries, Niger and Chad, and urged collaboration from border leaders to prevent cross-border disease transmission.
The minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts of partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and various local organizations, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to maintain and enhance immunization coverage in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, praised the collaborative efforts between the agency and the northern traditional rulers’ council in advancing health sector interventions. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Bill Gates for his support in eradicating and controlling various diseases in Nigerian communities, and thanked the Northern Traditional Leaders Council for their dedication to addressing health challenges in their regions.
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, also expressed deep respect and appreciation for the event and the efforts of those involved, highlighting the significance of the occasion.