Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has described Nigeria’s integrated vaccination campaign targeting 100 million children as a bold and ambitious step toward strengthening public health.
Ms. Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, made the remark on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the campaign by the Federal Government, supported by global health partners.
Crawford said the initiative marked a landmark moment for Nigeria and global health.
“This campaign is bold, ambitious, and deeply rooted in country leadership. Reaching over 100 million children with life-saving vaccines is no small feat. What makes it truly remarkable is the collaboration behind it — from government to communities, partners, and health workers,” she said.
She explained that the campaign builds on years of investment in Nigeria’s immunization infrastructure, including cold chain expansion, workforce training, and the adoption of digital technologies to monitor coverage and ensure no child is left behind.
According to her, Gavi is supporting the campaign with a $103 million investment, reaffirming its commitment to equitable access, innovation, and country-led delivery. The funds will also strengthen logistics, cold chain systems, and digital tracking tools to enhance efficiency and accountability.
The nationwide exercise targets about 109 million children aged nine months to 14 years, offering protection against measles, rubella, human papillomavirus (HPV), polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with support from Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and civil society organizations, the initiative represents an unprecedented level of collaboration among stakeholders.
Since 2001, Gavi has invested about $2.6 billion in Nigeria, helping to raise coverage of the three-dose DTP vaccine from 27 per cent to 67 per cent.
The recent rollout of the HPV vaccine has already protected more than 15 million girls from cervical cancer, underscoring Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver vaccines at scale.
Health experts say the integrated vaccination campaign presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost confidence in routine immunization, reduce disease outbreaks, and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
