From: Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a $3 million investment over the next two years to strengthen routine immunization and primary healthcare in Kaduna State.
This funding is expected to accelerate progress towards universal vaccine coverage.
Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s senior country manager for Nigeria, disclosed this during a high-level field mission to the state, which included engagements with top state officials, tours of health facilities, and strategy meetings with partners.
Ms. Crawford emphasized that Kaduna has demonstrated strong leadership, coordination, and results in immunization efforts.
She noted that the funding will build on these successes, target hard-to-reach areas, and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.
The funds, drawn from Gavi’s latest Health System Strengthening grant, will be implemented in collaboration with the Kaduna government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners.
The focus will be on critical priorities such as improving vaccine delivery, addressing inequities in coverage, and reducing the number of ‘zero-dose’ children.
“Over the past seven years, Gavi has supported Kaduna through cold chain equipment provision, 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 maximize impact,” Ms. Crawford said.
Hassan Ousmane, head of routine immunization at NPHCDA, highlighted the federal government’s role in ensuring vaccine availability nationwide.
“The federal government, through NPHCDA, procures vaccines for all states in Nigeria to ensure every child is vaccinated. Partners like Gavi complement these efforts with funding, equipment, and other essential resources to strengthen our health facilities,” he stated.
Mr. Ousmane noted that Gavi’s national pledge is $13 million over three years, with states providing counterpart contributions. “While Gavi often provides the larger share, the government also commits its resources to ensure full immunization coverage is achieved,” he added.
Addressing the issue of children missing out on basic immunization, Barkunawa Bello, deputy director of routine immunization and Gavi desk officer at NPHCDA, explained the scale of the problem.
“By definition, a zero-dose child has not received the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine (Penta 1) by 23 months. Unfortunately, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of zero-dose children globally, with 2.3 million identified in 2022.
“This number has been reduced to about 2.1 million, but much work remains. Kaduna is one of five states, alongside Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Bayelsa, selected for intensive engagement with Gavi to address immunization gaps,” he said.
Mr. Bello emphasized the importance of community engagement through religious, traditional, and local leaders, supported by the national risk communication team, in combating vaccine hesitancy.
“Our strategy is to ensure no one is left behind, which means working directly with communities—both men and women—to build trust and demand for vaccines,” he noted.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe described Gavi’s commitment as a reaffirmation of the shared mission to protect the health and future of children in Kaduna.
“Through our joint efforts with Gavi, NPHCDA, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, we have expanded immunization coverage, strengthened cold-chain infrastructure, trained and deployed frontline health workers, and improved health data systems. These achievements translate into healthier children, stronger families, and lives saved from preventable diseases,” she said.
The deputy governor acknowledged persistent challenges, including reaching children in remote and insecure communities, as well as tackling vaccine hesitancy. She reiterated the state’s commitment to revitalizing primary health care facilities, deploying innovative supply chain solutions, and sustaining community engagement.
