The Federal Government has invested more than $500 million in the procurement of life-saving vaccines over the past 20 years, helping to immunise approximately 75 million Nigerian children and strengthen public health outcomes across the country.
Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar, disclosed this on Friday during a facility tour of the solar-powered Apo Primary Health Care Centre in Abuja.
Nishtar described the partnership between Nigeria and Gavi as one of the organisation’s most significant collaborations, noting that both parties have jointly worked to improve vaccine access and strengthen healthcare delivery.
According to her, the partnership will continue over the next five years, with Gavi committing an additional $500 million to support vaccine procurement and health system strengthening across Nigeria.
“We are here to reaffirm our partnership. I am here to convey to Nigeria that Gavi will continue its support of Nigerian children and the government of Nigeria,” she said.
“This is a true partnership because the Nigerian government also pays for the cost of vaccines. Over the next five years, this partnership will continue and help prevent unnecessary deaths, diseases and disabilities among children and adults.”
Nishtar commended Nigeria’s achievements in routine immunisation and efforts to reduce the number of zero-dose children—those who have never received any vaccine.
She also described her visit to the Apo Primary Health Care Centre as encouraging, highlighting the importance of community-based healthcare services in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health outcomes.
“It is heartwarming to see women bringing their children for vaccination and other healthcare services. The last mile is where things matter most,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, praised Gavi’s continued support and described the new funding package as a major boost to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to him, the Apo facility represents a successful collaboration involving the Federal Government, local authorities and development partners.
He explained that while the local government built and operates the centre, the Federal Government supports it through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, while Gavi provides vaccines and funded the facility’s solarisation project.
Experts say the continued partnership is expected to improve access to vaccines, strengthen routine immunisation programmes and enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
