World Bank to give $400 million to Nigeria for COVID vaccine funding

• The World Health Organization said on Thursday that only 15 out of 54 African countries had fully vaccinated 10% of their populations against COVID-19.

The big picture: The $400 million credit, approved by World Bank directors, will allow the country to acquire enough vaccines for 18% of its population and distribute vaccines to nearly 51% of its citizens.

• The World Bank said that Nigeria will be able to "strengthen relevant health systems that are necessary for a successful deployment and to prepare for future health emergencies."
• "This additional funding would ensure that the Nigerian government has the necessary financial resources to keep its vaccination drive going," said Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank country director for Nigeria. "This would mean that Nigerians will have increased access to the COVID-19 vaccination.”