The Nigerian Government on Wednesday, July 19, received a total of $9,261,920 from the Canadian Government to support the scale-up of COVID-19 vaccine service among high-priority risk groups.

The High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff who spoke at the launch of the Canada Global Initiative for Vaccine grant in Abuja, noted that while COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency, it is still important to reinforce public health systems as part of an inclusive and sustainable recovery.

Christoff also said the grant is another example of Canada’s historical institutional relationship with the World Health Organization to support Nigeria in the critical work of preventing disease and protecting those most at risk.

He said; “We must intentionally link up these efforts with routine immunisation and other services. This can help, for example, to reach children who missed routine vaccinations over the pandemic. We know that ultimately, it takes a health system to turn a vaccine into vaccination.

“Under CanGIVE, the WHO project will be implemented in seven countries, where Nigeria receives the greatest share of $9 million Canadian Dollars. Nigeria was also amongst the first countries to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses from Canada in September of 2021, and I am pleased to be able to continue Canada’s support to Nigeria with this latest project.”

It is expected that the grant will enhance information management and disease surveillance data, including gender-responsive data. The states where the grant will be implemented include Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Kebbi, Katsina, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo.