Gavi Commits $3 Million to Boost Routine Immunization in Kaduna State

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $3 million over the next two years to strengthen routine immunization and primary health care in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The investment aims to accelerate progress towards universal vaccine coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, announced the funding during a high-level field mission to Kaduna. The visit featured engagements with top state officials, inspections of health facilities, and strategy sessions with development partners.

Crawford praised Kaduna State for its strong leadership, effective coordination, and notable achievements in immunization coverage. She said the new funding, drawn from Gavi’s latest Health System Strengthening (HSS) grant, will focus on improving vaccine delivery systems, addressing inequities in coverage, and reducing the number of ‘zero-dose’ children — those who have not received any routine vaccines.

“Over the past seven years, Gavi has supported Kaduna through cold chain equipment provision, vaccine supply operations, outbreak response, workforce support, and direct vaccine procurement,” she said. “We remain committed to building on this foundation to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.”

Implementation Strategy

The $3 million grant will be implemented in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other stakeholders. Efforts will prioritize capacity building, supply chain improvements, and community engagement to tackle vaccine hesitancy.

Hassan Ousmane, Head of Routine Immunization at the NPHCDA, highlighted the federal government’s role in nationwide vaccine procurement.

“The federal government, through the NPHCDA, procures vaccines for all states, ensuring that every child is vaccinated,” he explained. “Partners like Gavi complement these efforts with additional funding, equipment, and support for health systems.”

According to Ousmane, Gavi’s national funding commitment stands at $13 million over three years, with Nigerian states contributing counterpart funding to ensure program sustainability.

Tackling Zero-Dose Children

Dr Barkunawa Bello, Deputy Director of Routine Immunization and Gavi Desk Officer at the NPHCDA, described Nigeria’s burden of zero-dose children as among the highest in the world.

“In 2022, Nigeria recorded 2.3 million zero-dose children. That figure has dropped to about 2.1 million, but significant gaps remain,” Bello said.

Kaduna is one of five states — alongside Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Bayelsa — receiving intensified support from Gavi to close these immunization gaps. Bello stressed the importance of community-level advocacy through traditional and religious leaders to boost vaccine acceptance.

Kaduna Government’s Commitment

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, welcomed Gavi’s renewed commitment, describing it as an affirmation of a shared mission to safeguard children’s health. She credited partnerships with Gavi, NPHCDA, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for major improvements in coverage, cold-chain infrastructure, and health workforce capacity.

However, she acknowledged persistent challenges such as reaching children in remote or insecure areas and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

“Our government remains committed to revitalizing primary health care facilities, deploying innovative supply chain solutions, and sustaining community engagement,” she said.

With Gavi’s latest funding, Kaduna hopes to make significant strides toward full immunization coverage, reducing preventable childhood illnesses and deaths across the state.