By Sarah Sam Adda
The Federal Government has taken delivery of cold chain equipment valued at $11 million to strengthen vaccine storage, distribution, and immunisation services across the country.
The consignment, supported by Gavi, UNICEF, and the Federal Government, includes 1,653 solar direct-drive refrigerators, 165 spare parts kits, and temperature monitoring devices. It was officially handed over in Abuja on Wednesday.
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the intervention is timely as Nigeria prepares for a nationwide immunisation campaign in October, targeting more than 109 million children.
He noted that 53% of the refrigerators will be deployed to northern states and 47% to the south, with priority given to underserved communities and “zero-dose” children.
UNICEF’s Chief of Health, Dr. Maharajan Muthu, described cold chain infrastructure as the backbone of effective immunisation, stressing that the solar-powered units will ensure vaccine quality in hard-to-reach areas without electricity.
Acting WHO Country Representative, Dr. Alex Gasasira (represented by Dr. Alex Chimbaru), said the initiative would reduce vaccine wastage, improve coverage, and enhance sustainability.
The partners emphasised the need for sustained funding, tracking, and maintenance to guarantee the long-term success of the project.
