The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, says the solarisation of 371 Primary Health Care Centres across 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory will strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the solar systems supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF at Apo Primary Health Care Centre in Abuja, the minister said the initiative will ensure reliable power supply for vaccine cold chains, improve working conditions for health workers, and support digital connectivity for health data.
He noted that the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector reform agenda under the Renewed Hope initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
Prof. Pate commended Gavi, UNICEF, and other development partners including the World Bank for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare. He described the project as a clear example of effective collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and global partners to deliver practical solutions for communities.
According to him, the solar-powered facilities will not only preserve vaccines and medicines but also improve service delivery, enhance data reporting through internet connectivity, and bring wider benefits to surrounding communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, said the intervention targets areas with high numbers of “zero-dose” children who have missed routine vaccinations.
He explained that the solar systems will help upgrade the affected facilities to Level Two status by providing essential infrastructure such as power, water, sanitation, equipment and commodities needed for effective service delivery.
Dr Aina expressed appreciation to Gavi and UNICEF for their continued partnership, noting that the initiative is part of broader efforts to revitalize thousands of primary health centres across the country and expand access to immunization and maternal health services.
