Canadian government has provided Nigeria with $9.3 million grant from the Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE), to strengthen its COVID-19 immunization system, in addition to other accompanying services.

The amount was part of 317 million Canadian dollars global initiative meant to strengthen COVID-19 vaccination in seven other countries.

Ondo, Rivers, Kogi, Delta, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Ogun, Katsina, Taraba, Anambra, Kebbi, and Edo states would benefit the most from the intervention.

Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, who spoke at the launch of the grant in Abuja, on Wednesday, disclosed that Nigeria got the largest share the intervention.

Christoff said: “This project is another important example of Canadian historical institutional relationship with Nigeria, as part of the critical work for preventing diseases and protecting those most at risk in the country.”

Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, disclosed that the Agency was allocated $1.4 million Canadian, to strengthen the broader health system.

Dr. Adetifa said the surveillance was important in helping Nigeria monitor and evaluate emerging patterns and trends of diseases.

While expressing the agency’s appreciation for the grant, he said that surveillance was crucial because it contributes to better prevention and management of infectious diseases.

Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Faisal Shuaib, confirmed that Nigeria has made significant progress in response to COVID-19 and vaccination, but more work need to be done to strengthen the system.

He appreciated unwavering commitment and dedication to improving vaccination coverage for COVID-19, routine immunization, and accessibility to primary healthcare services.

World Health Organization (WHO), Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, in his remarks, explained that the intervention was designed to support country-led efforts to expedite COVID-19 vaccine delivery and distribution amongst high priority risk groups, increase vaccine confidence and generate demand.