FG: We’ve released $1m for delivery of free contraceptives

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, says the federal government has released $1 million for the delivery of contraceptives to improve family planning.

The minister made this known while addressing state house correspondents after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting.

According to him, procurement for the implementation of the plan led by a committee chaired by a director in the ministry had equally been secured.

The minister said the ministry had submitted nine proposals which had equally been approved by the council since 2016.

Adewole also said Nigeria would soon start producing its own vaccines.

At present, Nigeria depends on vaccines from the World Health Organisation and other international organisations.

Adewole said there is a presidential approval for a joint venture between the federal government and May & Baker for the production of local vaccines.

He said a board was constituted on January 19 to oversee the venture and production will begin within the next two years.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Fiona Braka, WHO representative, said the organisation has pledged 20 million doses of Yellow Fever vaccine to help Nigeria eradicate the disease.

“The global body is ready to assist the country in achieving the total vaccination of the populace in line with the Elimination of Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE) by 2026,” Barka said.

“The global community is committed to this course and has pledged 20 million doses available annually to achieve the target despite the global vaccine shortfall.”

Nigeria had been declared free of Yellow fever until the disease resurfaced in 2017.

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Some infected people may not experience any of these symptoms.

In severe cases, bleeding may occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach.