The Gavi Alliance has pledged $3 million over the next two years to strengthen routine immunisation and primary health care in Kaduna State, in a move expected to accelerate progress towards universal vaccine coverage.
The announcement was made by Jessica Crawford, Senior Country Manager for Nigeria at the Gavi Secretariat, during a high-level field mission to Kaduna which included meetings with state officials, health facility visits, and strategy sessions with partners.
“Kaduna State has shown strong leadership, coordination, and results in immunisation. This funding will help build on those successes, tackle hard-to-reach areas, and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines,” Crawford said.
The support, drawn from Gavi’s latest Health System Strengthening grant, will be implemented with the Kaduna State Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other alliance partners.
It will focus on improving vaccine delivery, addressing inequities in coverage, and reducing the number of “zero-dose” children—those who have never received a single routine vaccine.
Over the past seven years, Gavi has backed Kaduna with cold chain equipment, 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 maximise impact,” Crawford added.
Hassan Shea-ousmane, NPHCDA’s Head of Routine Immunisation, stressed the federal government’s role in nationwide vaccine provision:
“The federal government, through NPHCDA, procures vaccines for all states in Nigeria, ensuring every child is vaccinated. Partners like Gavi complement these efforts with funding, equipment, and other essential resources to strengthen our health facilities.”
He noted Gavi’s $13 million national pledge over three years, with states contributing counterpart funds.
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Dr Bakunawa Bello, Deputy Director of Routine Immunisation and Gavi Desk Officer at NPHCDA, warned that Nigeria still faces one of the world’s highest “zero-dose” burdens.
“Nigeria unfortunately has one of the highest zero-dose burdens globally, with 2.3 million identified in 2022. This has been reduced to about 2.1 million, but much work remains,” he said, adding that Kaduna is one of five states selected for intensive support.
He emphasised the role of community engagement through religious, traditional, and local leaders to combat vaccine hesitancy.
“Our strategy is to ensure no one is left behind. That means working directly with communities, men and women alike, to build trust and demand for vaccines,” he noted.
Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, described Gavi’s support as a reaffirmation of their shared mission to protect children’s health.
“Through our joint efforts with Gavi, NPHCDA, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we have expanded immunisation 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 acknowledged challenges in reaching remote and insecure areas and addressing vaccine hesitancy, but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to revitalising primary health care, innovating supply chains, and sustaining community outreach.
“Together, we can not only sustain the progress we have made but also accelerate towards the goal of universal immunisation coverage and improved wellbeing for all,” she concluded.
The Gavi field mission to Kaduna forms part of a wider national initiative to close immunisation gaps, with the next phase focusing on joint planning between state authorities, national agencies, and global partners to ensure every child is reached.
Gavi Alliance is a public–private partnership comprising organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.