Gavi, UNICEF transfer 371 solar-powered PHCs to Federal Government.

The Global Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF on Thursday formally transferred the Primary Health Care Solarisation Project to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The initiative, coordinated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, includes 371 solar-powered primary health centres across 17 states.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the project would expand access to essential services in off-grid communities, strengthen vaccine cold-chain systems, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery at primary health centres nationwide.

He noted that the foundation of a resilient health system was being reinforced through domestic funding from the Federal Government and states, supported by development partners.

Pate said collaborations between the government and global health organisations had contributed to improved immunisation coverage and better primary healthcare services, with more than 47 million visits recorded at primary health centres.

He added that Nigeria recently carried out one of the largest integrated vaccination campaigns in Africa, targeting over 100 million children with measles, rubella and other vaccines, with support exceeding $100m from Gavi.

On the Human Papillomavirus vaccine supply, the minister said a new shipment was expected to address shortages reported in some states, noting that such supply gaps reflect the global demand for the vaccine rather than a Nigeria-specific issue.

He commended the ministry’s leadership for fulfilling Nigeria’s vaccine co-financing commitments in 2024, which enabled the procurement of life-saving vaccines.

Pate also highlighted improvements in coverage of the DTP3 vaccine since 2001 but said more efforts were needed to ensure that every child receives essential immunisation.

He stressed that maintaining progress in the health sector would require greater investment by governments at all levels, as well as support from households.

“Healthcare is not cheap; it is an investment. When governments invest and partners support those investments, the system becomes sustainable,” he said.

The minister also praised development partners, including UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, for their continued support, noting that such partnerships remain crucial while domestic resources are limited. He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would enable Nigeria to eventually take full responsibility for financing its health programmes.

He said the handover of the solar-powered primary health centres would enhance service delivery in underserved communities and strengthen vaccine cold-chain management, contributing to a more resilient and self-sustaining healthcare system.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, said the collaboration with partners remained vital to efforts aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and delivering essential services to citizens.

He explained that through the partnership with Gavi and UNICEF, 371 primary health centres across 17 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, had been equipped with solar power systems.

According to him, the project focused on zero-dose communities, where many children have missed routine vaccinations.

Aina said the development is helping the facilities reach what is known as level two status, which requires adequate infrastructure such as reliable power supply, water, sanitation services, and sufficient manpower.

He added that the provision of equipment and commodities aligns with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about two years ago.

Also speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary for Health at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, commended Gavi, UNICEF, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the NPHCDA and other partners on behalf of the beneficiary states.

She said the project represents not only the installation of solar systems but also stronger health systems, improved immunisation services, and renewed hope for communities that rely on primary health centres as their first point of care.

The solar-powered facilities are expected to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in areas with unreliable electricity, while also supporting routine immunisation programmes. The project targets Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose local government areas, where many children remain unvaccinated and lack access to essential healthcare services.