Nigeria launches historic integrated vaccination campaign targeting 100 million children

In a bold and ambitious move, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria supported by partners today launched the country’s largest-ever integrated vaccination campaign, aiming to reach about 109 million children aged 9 months to 14 years with vaccines against measles-rubella (MR), human papillomavirus which protects against cervical cancer (HPV), polio, and other routine immunisations. 

The campaign is the result of close collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and a wide network of civil society organizations and donors reflecting unprecedented cooperation among stakeholders. 

The nationwide campaign 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, reinforcing its commitment to equitable access and country-led innovation and is also working hand-in-hand with the Government and States to strengthen systems, share expertise, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

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. The country centric approach in design and implementation sets a new benchmark for integrated delivery and offers a model for other countries seeking to scale up immunisation and child health services.

In its next strategic period, Gavi is focused on expanding its country-led approach, so that immunisation programmes are even more responsive to the unique needs of each country, region and community.  

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.  In that time, Gavi has invested about US$ 2.6 billion and seen tremendous progress: for example, in 2001 coverage in Nigeria for three doses of the basic DTP vaccine stood at 27% and by 2024 it had risen to 67%. Further, 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. 

Commenting on the development, Jessica Crawford the Senior Country Manager for Nigeria at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance said:

“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. Gavi is proud to support this effort with $103 million, but even prouder to stand with Nigeria as a partner in delivering equity, innovation, and impact at scale.”  

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