Kaduna: The Gavi Alliance has pledged $3 million over the next two years to strengthen routine immunisation and primary health care in Kaduna State, in a move expected to accelerate progress towards universal vaccine coverage. The announcement was made by Jessica Crawford, Senior Country Manager for Nigeria at the Gavi Secretariat, during a high-level field mission to Kaduna which included meetings with state officials, health facility visits, and strategy sessions with partners.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the support, drawn from Gavi’s latest Health System Strengthening grant, will be implemented with the Kaduna State Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other alliance partners. It will focus on improving vaccine delivery, addressing inequities in coverage, and reducing the number of ‘zero-dose’ children-those who have never received a single routine vaccine.
Over the past seven years, Gavi has backed Kaduna with cold chain equipment, vaccine supply operations, outbreak response, workforce support, and direct vaccine procurement. ‘We are pleased to see these investments in action and are committed to working with Kaduna to maximise impact,’ Crawford added.
Hassan Shea-ousmane, NPHCDA’s Head of Routine Immunisation, stressed the federal government’s role in nationwide vaccine provision: ‘The federal government, through NPHCDA, procures vaccines for all states in Nigeria, ensuring every child is vaccinated. Partners like Gavi complement these efforts with funding, equipment, and other essential resources to strengthen our health facilities.’ He noted Gavi’s $13 million national pledge over three years, with states contributing counterpart funds.