The National Agency for Primary Health Care (NPHCDA) has received 1,653 Gavi solar energy refrigerators to improve the country’s vaccine supply chain.
The executive director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, announced in a recent event, pointing out the importance of donation.
He said: “We recognize and appreciate our partners who have supported us in the supply chain, particularly in vaccine management and supply chain.
“Today marks another demonstration of the Health Pilar of the Agenda of President Tinubu to provide high quality primary health services for all Nigerians.”
He revealed that refrigerators, valued in millions of Naira, will be distributed to the states throughout the country to support the storage and transport of vaccines.
According to AINA, 1,241 units will be of the Medical B brand, while 412 units will be from the Plus brand, selected through a rigorous process.
“We have also acquired spare parts and 10 years of maintenance agreements, including preventive maintenance of the plant by the supplier.
“Each unit comes with temperature monitoring devices to ensure that vaccines are stored at the right temperature.
“The distribution of refrigerators will be based on the loading of the disease and the gaps in each state. Each state of the country will receive some of the teams, with 53% in the states in northern Nigeria and 47% to the states in southern Nigeria,” he said.
Aina also revealed that NPHCDA is planning an integrated campaign of measles, rubella, polyomyelitis and nutritional interventions, pointing to 109 million Nigerian young people between zero to 14 years.
Therefore, he urged the Nigerians to participate and assume vaccines, emphasizing the importance of immunization in primary health care.
Aina expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his vision and leadership, as well as the Minister of Health and the Coordinating Minister for his support.
He also thanked partners like Gavi, who, UNICEF and others for his commitment to vaccination in Nigeria.
“This donation is a testimony of the power of the association and collaboration. We expect a continuous association and the support of our colleagues, partners and the Nigerian public,” he added.
Speaking above, the representative of the country of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Alex Gastasira, expressed WHO’s commitment to support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen his primary medical care system, particularly in the immunization area.
Represented by Alex Chimbaru, the representative of the attached country, extended sincere appreciation to the government of Nigeria, Gavi, Unicef ​​and other partners for their commitment to immunization.
He said: “The delivery ceremony of the solar direct impulse refrigerator to NPHCDA marks a fundamental role to improve Nigeria’s immunization infrastructure.
“These refrigerators with solar energy will play a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of vaccines, especially in remote and challenged energy communities.”
The WHO representative pointed out that the initiative is aligned with international strategic priorities, particularly those described in the 2030 immunization agenda, which advocates equitable access to vaccines, sustainable cold chain systems and integration with primary medical care.
“By taking advantage of solar technology, we are ensuring not only the power of vaccines but also advancing environmental sustainability and strengthening the resistance of health systems,” added Gasasira.
UNICEF has reiterated its commitment to support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its health system, particularly in the immunization area.
UNICEF Health Chief, Dr. Maharajan Muthu said that the delivery ceremony is a testimony of the power of the association and collaboration, and added that the infrastructure of the cold chain is the backbone of an effective immunization program, ensuring that vaccines and other medical supplies sensitive to temperature retain its power of storage to the administration.
Muthu revealed the role of UNICEF in supporting NPHCDA in strengthening cold chain systems, providing technical support in analysis, identification of cold chain needs, acquisitions and delivery of avant -garde equipment.
He said: “The transfer includes 1,653 solar direct drive refrigerators, 165 sets of spare parts, temperature monitoring devices and 30 -day temperature registrars, valued at approximately $ 11 million.
“This investment will significantly improve Nigeria’s health infrastructure, allowing a dissemination to remote communities and ensuring that safe and effective vaccines reach each child, without leaving anyone behind.”
Muthu said that, although the supplies delivered on the direction of a set of challenges related to the cold chain team, efforts are needed to address the remaining challenges, such as registration and monitoring of assets, regular maintenance, monitoring of vaccines and logistics actions and sustainable financing solutions.
“UNICEF is still committed to work together with the federal government of Nigeria to overcome these challenges.
“We will continue to strengthen the immunization supply chain, we will support the participation of the community and advocate for sustainable financing to ensure that each child receives vaccines that save lives,” he said.
Muthu expressed his appreciation for Gavi and Alliance Partners, including WHO, NPHCDA and the Ministry of Health, for their efforts to increase immunization coverage in Nigeria.
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