The Federal Government has initiated discussions with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) to secure additional supplies of cholera vaccines.
Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak amidst a global shortage of vaccines.
Mr Idris noted that, recognizing the urgent need for vaccines, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has entered into discussions with Gavi.
“Gavi, a global health partnership, plays a pivotal role in improving access to vaccines in low-income countries.
“Through these negotiations, Nigeria aims to secure an emergency supply of cholera vaccines to curb the outbreak.
“At present, cholera vaccines are not stocked in our public facilities, though they are available in limited quantities in the private sector.