Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged a $3 million investment over the next two years to strengthen routine immunization and primary healthcare in Kaduna State, a move aimed at accelerating progress toward universal vaccine coverage in Nigeria.
The announcement came during a high-level field mission led by Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, which included engagements with senior state officials, visits to health facilities, and strategic planning sessions with partners.
Crawford praised Kaduna’s “strong leadership, coordination, and impressive results” in expanding vaccination coverage, noting that the new funding will target underserved communities.
“The new investment will build on existing successes by reaching hard-to-reach areas and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines,” she said.
Focus on Zero-Dose Children and Health System Strengthening
The funds, part of Gavi’s Health System Strengthening (HSS) grant, will be implemented with the Kaduna State Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners. Priorities include improving vaccine delivery, addressing inequities, and reducing the number of zero-dose children—those who have never received the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine (Penta 1) by 23 months of age.
Nigeria remains one of the world’s largest contributors to the zero-dose burden, with 2.3 million affected children in 2022, reduced to 2.1 million in 2023. Kaduna is one of five states, alongside Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Bayelsa, receiving targeted support.
Dr. Barkunawa Bello, Deputy Director of Routine Immunization and Gavi Desk Officer at NPHCDA, underscored the role of community engagement in combating vaccine hesitancy.
“Our strategy is to ensure no one is left behind. That means working directly with communities, men and women alike, to build trust and demand for vaccines,” he said.
Federal Government Role in Vaccine Procurement
Hassan Ousmane, Head of Routine Immunization at NPHCDA, emphasized that the federal government procures vaccines for all Nigerian states, while Gavi provides complementary support in funding, cold-chain equipment, and other essential resources.
“While Gavi often provides the larger share, the government also commits its own resources to ensure we achieve full immunization coverage,” he noted.
Nationwide, Gavi’s current pledge amounts to $13 million over three years, with states contributing counterpart funds.
Kaduna’s Commitment to Health Equity
Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, hailed the partnership as critical to safeguarding children’s health.
“Through our joint efforts with Gavi, NPHCDA, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, we have expanded immunization coverage, strengthened cold-chain infrastructure, trained frontline health workers, and improved health data systems,” she said.
Despite progress, challenges remain in reaching remote and insecure areas. Balarabe reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare, deploying innovative supply chain solutions, and sustaining community engagement to close remaining immunization gaps.
