The Federal Government has secured a five-year support package estimated at $500 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen routine immunisation, vaccine delivery and primary healthcare services across Nigeria.
In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Friday, the Ministry said the support package was announced during a meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sania Nishtar, who led a high-level delegation to Abuja.
The Ministry described the partnership as a major boost to ongoing health sector reforms aimed at expanding access to life-saving vaccines, improving healthcare delivery and strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, Directors, and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina.
Prof. Pate said the proposed support represented a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s health sector reforms and would provide momentum for improving vaccine access and ensuring that more children benefit from life-saving immunisation services.
Gavi Boosts Vaccine Support for Nigeria
The Coordinating Minister noted that Nigeria had recorded significant progress in primary healthcare delivery since Dr. Nishtar’s previous visit in 2023, with quarterly utilisation of Primary Healthcare Centres increasing from about 10 million visits to more than 40 million.
He added that the country had revitalised thousands of Primary Healthcare Centres, improved routine immunisation and maternal and child health services, while successfully implementing the world’s largest measles-rubella vaccination campaign, which protected more than 102 million children.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Nishtar described Nigeria as Gavi’s second-largest country portfolio globally and its largest co-financing partner, announcing an upward review of vaccine and cash allocation alongside reduced co-financing obligations.
She said the adjustment would provide Nigeria with greater financial flexibility to sustain immunisation programmes and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
“Gavi is here to signal that we are there for you. While many global health institutions are reducing their footprint, we will continue supporting Nigeria’s immunisation programme,” she said.
FG, Gavi Commit to Stronger Health Systems
The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, described the renewed partnership as another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Gavi, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to providing the leadership required to improve health outcomes.
She said the collaboration would support stronger immunisation systems, improved primary healthcare services and expanded access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining progress in routine immunisation, accelerating polio eradication, expanding HPV vaccination and increasing domestic investment in healthcare.
The Federal Government said the renewed partnership reinforces global confidence in Nigeria’s health sector reforms and aligns with efforts to build resilient, equitable and sustainable healthcare systems.
The Ministry added that the collaboration would contribute to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to essential vaccines and improved healthcare services.
