On Thursday, the Global Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF marked a significant milestone by transferring the Primary Health Care Solarisation Project to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This initiative, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, aims to implement solar power in 371 primary health centres scattered across 17 Nigerian states. The project is expected to greatly benefit off-grid communities, ensuring they have access to essential health services powered by renewable energy.

At the handover ceremony in Abuja, Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on healthcare delivery. He emphasized that the solarization of health centres would improve vaccine cold-chain management — a critical component for immunization efforts — and help maintain consistent healthcare delivery to underserved regions. By leveraging both domestic resources and international partnerships, Nigeria aims to enhance its healthcare infrastructure.

Furthermore, Prof. Pate highlighted the importance of such collaborations with global health organizations, which have been instrumental in increasing immunization coverage and advancing primary healthcare services in Nigeria. He conveyed a promise that these efforts would continue to strengthen the foundations of a resilient health system in the country, ultimately addressing some of the healthcare disparities faced by rural and remote populations.