Onome Amuge
Nigeria has launched what officials describe as the largest integrated vaccination campaign in its history, in an ambitious bid to immunise more than 109 million children against measles, rubella, human papillomavirus (HPV), and polio. The nationwide drive, which also includes routine immunisations, represents one of the most extensive public health undertakings ever mounted in Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health stated that it is leading the campaign with financial and technical backing from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and a coalition of civil society and donor organisations. The collaboration is intended not only to close the country’s persistent immunisation gaps but also to recalibrate its approach to health delivery by integrating technology, data, and local leadership into one cohesive model.
The initiative marks a shift from past fragmented campaigns toward a unified national strategy. By combining multiple vaccines in a single coordinated effort, Nigeria hopes to streamline logistics, expand outreach, and ensure no child is left unvaccinated. Health officials see this as an inflection point for Africa’s most populous country, where vaccine coverage has improved steadily but remains below the global average.
“This campaign is a landmark moment for Nigeria and for global health in general. 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,” said Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s senior country manager for Nigeria.
The financial muscle behind the effort is considerable. Gavi has committed $103 million to the campaign, part of its broader $2.6 billion investment in Nigeria since 2001. Those funds have underpinned gains in immunisation access. This is as coverage for the three-dose DTP vaccine rose from 27 per cent in 2001 to 67 per cent in 2024. The HPV rollout alone has reached more than 15 million girls, protecting them against cervical cancer.
Beyond its immediate health benefits, the initiative is also a test case for Gavi’s evolving strategy of country-led innovation. Under its new strategic direction, Gavi is decentralising decision-making to ensure that national programmes are tailored to local needs. Nigeria’s campaign is among the first to embody this approach, blending local expertise with global financing and oversight.
Central to this integrated drive is technology. Digital tools and data analytics will be used to track vaccine distribution, monitor uptake, and identify regions with low coverage in real time. These insights are expected to improve accountability, enhance supply chain management, and enable policymakers to respond swiftly to emerging gaps. Public engagement through social media and local networks are expected to complement these efforts, helping to counter misinformation and build trust in vaccines.
The campaign also reflects the dividends of Nigeria’s long-term investment in health infrastructure. Years of funding for cold chain equipment, data systems, and workforce development are now being leveraged to deliver vaccines at a scale previously unattainable. Officials believe these investments will leave a lasting legacy, strengthening the health system’s ability to respond to future outbreaks and routine healthcare needs alike.
For Gavi, the Nigerian effort embodies its mission to promote equity in global health. Since its inception in 2000, the alliance has helped immunise more than 1.2 billion children and averted over 20 million deaths in 78 low-income countries. Its work has been instrumental in halving child mortality rates and boosting global preparedness for epidemics such as Ebola and yellow fever.
