Nigeria's historic integrated vaccination campaign targets 100 million children
The nationwide campaign is the result of close collaboration between Nigeria's health ministry, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and a wide network of civil society organizations and donors.
Polio vaccination is part of the newly launched integrated vaccination campaign in Nigeria. (AFP)
ABUJA - Nigeria's health ministry has launched the country’s largest-ever integrated vaccination campaign, in what is being described as "a bold and ambitious move".
The target is about 109 million children aged nine months to 14 years with vaccines against measles-rubella (MR), human papillomavirus, which protects against cervical cancer (HPV), polio, and other routine immunisations.
Nigeria is Africa's most populated nation, with more than 230 million people.
The nationwide campaign is the result of close collaboration between Nigeria's health ministry, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and a wide network of civil society organizations and donors.
It represents a once in a generation opportunity to significantly increase immunisation coverage, reduce the number of unvaccinated children and shift Nigeria’s trajectory on vaccine uptake.
Gavi is supporting the initiative with an investment of 103 million US dollars (about 354 billion shillings).
The initiative builds on years of investment in health systems, including cold chain infrastructure, workforce capacity, and digital tools, now being leveraged to deliver impact at scale.
The campaign features replicable approaches such as incorporation of data and technology to inform decision-making, track progress, and public engagement.
Gavi has been collaborating with Nigeria for more than two decades to improve access to new and under-used vaccines for millions of the most vulnerable children.
The recent HPV vaccine rollout has since protected over 15 million girls from cervical cancer to date, showcasing the country’s capacity to rollout vaccines at scale.
“This campaign is a landmark moment for Nigeria and for global health in general," said Jessica Crawford, the senior country manager for Nigeria at Gavi.
"It is bold, ambitious, and deeply rooted in country leadership. Reaching over 100 million children with life-saving vaccines is no small feat, and what makes it truly remarkable is the collaboration behind it: from government to communities, partners, and health workers," she said.