Gavi, UNICEF pledge support to improve vaccine access, hand over 28 solar-powered PHCs in Kano

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has handed over 28 newly solar-powered Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities to the Kano State Government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Speaking during the official handover ceremony at Panshekara Primary Healthcare Centre in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Jessica Crawford, said the initiative is part of a broader plan to improve access to life-saving vaccines and reduce the number of children in Nigeria who have never been vaccinated.

“Here in Kano, about two-thirds of children do not receive their full course of vaccines. This investment is about reaching those children, building stronger primary health care services, and making sure that communities can rely on them,” Crawford said.

She explained that the solarization project, implemented under Gavi’s Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening programme in partnership with the Federal Government and UNICEF, is designed to power vaccine cold chains, essential medical equipment, and maternal health services.

“Gavi, through its health systems and immunisation strengthening programme is supporting solar electrification of health facilities across Nigeria through our partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and Alliance Partners.

“We expect the investment to result in improved service delivery, workforce stability, enhance sustainability and ultimately result in more lives saved.

“These are transformational investments. We call on our colleagues here today to ensure these facilities are maintained, serve the community, and deliver stronger PHC services for the people of Kano State.”

Also speaking, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahama Farah, represented by Officer-in-Charge Mr. Michael Banda, said the project was part of the CDS3 Health System Strengthening initiative, which focuses on Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose LGAs.

“In 2023, we assessed PHCs nationwide to check their functionality and energy needs. From that, 371 were selected for solarisation, including 28 in Kano, which are now fully solar-powered.”

He explained that priority was given to centres in zero-dose LGAs, those without reliable electricity, and facilities providing routine immunisation, especially Level-2 PHCs with low staffing.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, said the facilities would help tackle the problem of zero-dose children and pregnant women who lack access to routine immunisation and basic health services.

He urged communities to safeguard the centres and ensure they are not converted for personal use.