Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has unveiled a substantial $191 million Health Systems Strengthening (HSS-3) grant for Nigeria, aimed at enhancing immunisation coverage and reaching underserved populations across the country.
The initiative focuses on reaching 1.8 million zero-dose children—those who have not received any routine vaccinations, and seeks to increase immunisation coverage to 84% by 2028.
Dr. Alex de Jonquières, Gavi’s Director of Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening, shared the announcement on Friday in Abuja, highlighting that this grant is among Gavi’s largest ever.
The grant is the product of a collaborative planning process led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, development partners, and civil society organisations.
“This investment will bolster health system expansion, especially at the sub-national level,” Dr de Jonquières said, adding that nearly 80% of the funds would be directed to state governments, with more than 10% allocated to civil society organisations to reach the most underserved communities.
He praised Nigeria’s progress in immunisation, noting that more than 62 million children have been vaccinated, resulting in the prevention of over two million deaths. Additionally, nine new vaccines, including those for HPV and malaria, have been successfully introduced.
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Since 2000, Gavi has invested over $2.4 billion in Nigeria, contributing to the renovation of 493 primary healthcare centres, the recruitment of 3,683 health workers, and the procurement of cold chain equipment and logistics vehicles to strengthen immunisation delivery.
However, Dr. de Jonquières also highlighted Nigeria’s continuing challenge of having the world’s highest number of zero-dose children, stressing the need for increased domestic investment, greater accountability, and enhanced collaboration.
“As we embark on this new phase, we are at a transformative moment. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” he emphasised.
Dr. de Jonquières also revealed a further $100 million investment for a nationwide measles-rubella campaign in 2025, aiming to protect over 100 million children—Gavi’s largest campaign in Nigeria to date.
“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and broader health sector reforms, contributing to systemic improvements and sustainable progress in child health outcomes,” he said.
Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, called for viewing health as a long-term public investment, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable healthcare systems.
She advocated for the expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), improved transparency in resource use, enhanced healthcare worker training and conditions, and stronger global partnerships to scale up digital health solutions.
“These efforts are long-term investments in a healthier future for all Nigerians, especially children,” she noted.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed the World Health Organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health system through a rights-based approach grounded in governance, transparency, and partnerships. He highlighted critical priorities, such as reducing the number of zero-dose children, expanding malaria and HPV vaccinations, and introducing the measles-rubella vaccine.
The HSS-3 initiative, supported by Gavi and global partners, is set to run from 2025 to 2028. It aims to address resource gaps, strengthen leadership and oversight, and expand primary healthcare services, with a focus on improving healthcare access for women and children in underserved areas.
