FG takes over Gavi–UNICEF solarised PHC project in Abuja

The Federal Government on Thursday formally received a solarisation project implemented in primary health care centres through a partnership between Gavi The Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in underserved communities. Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative demonstrates […]

The Federal Government on Thursday formally received a solarisation project implemented in primary health care centres through a partnership between Gavi The Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between governments and global organisations can strengthen primary healthcare systems.

“This initiative demonstrates how alliances and their partners can collaborate effectively with governments at the country level. It is a clear example of how partnerships can work where it matters most — within communities,” Pate said.

He expressed appreciation to Gavi and its partners for supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“I would like to convey our sincere appreciation to the leadership of Gavi The Vaccine Alliance, particularly the CEO and management, and to Dr. Sania Nishtar. We are encouraged by the direction Gavi has taken alongside its core partners to support countries like Nigeria,” he said.

The minister explained that the solar-powered facilities are part of broader efforts under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve access to healthcare services.

According to him, providing reliable electricity to primary health care centres will strengthen vaccine storage, improve working conditions for health workers and enhance digital health reporting systems.

“Solar power will enable cold-chain systems to function properly for vaccines and medicines. It will also support health workers by improving working conditions, while ensuring that essential drugs are stored safely,” he said.

He added that the intervention would also benefit surrounding communities while strengthening routine immunisation services.

“Through these collaborations, we are targeting communities with low immunization coverage, strengthening routine immunization programmes, introducing new vaccines and improving access to essential health services,” Pate said.

The minister disclosed that more than 4,000 primary health care centres across the country have already been revitalised, noting that the reforms are focused on improving healthcare for mothers, children and other vulnerable populations.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said the solarisation project has provided electricity to hundreds of health facilities in underserved areas.

“Through our collaboration with Gavi and UNICEF, 307 primary health care centres across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been equipped with solar power systems,” Aina said.

He explained that the selected facilities are located mainly in zero-dose communities, where many children have historically missed routine immunisation and where pregnant women often face challenges accessing health services.

Providing solar power, he said, enables these facilities to achieve what the agency describes as Level Two functionality, which includes reliable infrastructure, water and sanitation services and adequate staffing.

“Providing solar power helps these facilities reach what we call Level Two functionality. At this level, a health facility has reliable infrastructure, including electricity, water and sanitation services, and trained personnel, enabling it to provide a broader range of essential services,” he said.

Aina added that the federal government’s ongoing health sector reforms have led to the revitalisation of thousands of primary health centres across the country.

“Overall, more than 4,000 primary health care centres are currently undergoing revitalisation nationwide, with nearly 2,600 already completed,” he said.

He further noted that additional investments have been made in medical supplies, equipment and vaccine cold-chain infrastructure to improve healthcare services nationwide.

“These interventions represent concrete progress in strengthening Nigeria’s primary health care system. More importantly, the improvements are beginning to translate into increased utilisation of health services by communities,” Aina added.