NIGERIA RECEIVES 371 SOLARISED PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES TO BOOST VACCINATION, HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
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The Global Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF on Thursday officially handed over the Primary Health Care Solarisation Project to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The initiative, coordinated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, covers 371 solarised primary health centres across 17 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
At the ceremony in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the project would enhance access to essential healthcare services in off-grid communities, improve vaccine cold-chain management, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery at primary health centres nationwide.
“The foundations of a resilient health system have been laid and are being strengthened through domestic resource mobilisation by both the Federal Government and states, complemented by development partners,” he said, highlighting partnerships with global health organisations that have improved immunisation coverage, recording over 47 million visits at primary health centres.
Prof Pate noted Nigeria’s recent large-scale vaccination campaigns targeting over 100 million children for measles, rubella, and other interventions, supported by over $100 million from Gavi. He also highlighted upcoming shipments of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to address state-level shortages and commended the government for meeting vaccine co-financing obligations in 2024.
He emphasised that sustaining gains in immunisation and primary healthcare would require increased investment by governments and households, describing healthcare as an essential investment for system sustainability.
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of NPHCDA, said the solarisation project targeted zero-dose locations, communities where many children have missed vaccinations. “We now have solar power in these facilities, aligning with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu two years ago,” she said.
Dr Dolapo Fasawe, representing beneficiary states, praised Gavi, UNICEF, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and NPHCDA for strengthening health systems and improving immunisation services.
The solarised centres are expected to enhance healthcare service delivery in areas with unreliable electricity, support routine immunisation, and target Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose local government areas, where children remain unvaccinated and lack access to basic healthcare.
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