Nigeria Strengthens Immunisation with 1,653 Solar Vaccine Refrigerators
Nigeria has received a donation of 1,653 Solar Direct Drive (SDD) refrigerators from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aimed at boosting vaccine storage and distribution across the country. The official handover took place in Abuja and was celebrated as a major step forward in Nigeria’s healthcare and immunisation system.
At the event, Dr. Muyi Aina, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), described the initiative as a landmark in improving vaccine delivery. He explained that this move supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises stronger and more accessible healthcare for all Nigerians.
According to Dr. Aina, the solar refrigerators will help ensure that vaccines remain safe and effective, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities. He noted that the 1,653 units come with spare parts, temperature monitoring devices, and a 10-year preventive maintenance agreement. The distribution plan will see every state, including the Federal Capital Territory, benefit, with 53% of the refrigerators going to northern states and 47% to southern states.
He also highlighted that these refrigerators will play a critical role in upcoming campaigns against measles, rubella, and polio, which aim to reach more than 109 million children. Dr. Aina called on Nigerians to participate fully in the immunisation drives, stressing that public involvement is vital to protect children and save lives from preventable diseases.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Alex Chimbaru of the World Health Organization (WHO) praised Nigeria’s leadership and its global health partners. He described the refrigerators as essential in keeping vaccines potent, particularly in remote communities facing energy challenges. He added that the initiative supports the Immunisation Agenda 2030, which promotes equal access to vaccines, reduces wastage, and strengthens health systems.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Health, Maharajan Muthu, highlighted how solar-powered technology is transforming vaccine delivery in rural and off-grid areas. He said the refrigerators will guarantee uninterrupted cold-chain services and support Nigeria’s goal of universal health coverage. Muthu stressed that “Every child, regardless of location, must have access to safe and effective vaccines.”
The refrigerators are already being dispatched from Abuja to different states. They are expected to boost last-mile vaccine delivery, close immunisation gaps across the country, and reduce the risk of expired or ineffective vaccines. In addition to health benefits, the solar-powered refrigerators also contribute to environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of renewable energy in healthcare delivery.
This initiative is a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against vaccine-preventable diseases and reflects a strong partnership between the government and international health organisations.
