The Federal Government has launched a major national immunization drive aimed at reaching 1.8 million children who have never received routine vaccines.
Backed by a ₦303 billion Health System Strengthening (HSS-3) grant, the initiative is designed to significantly boost vaccination coverage across the country over the next four years.
This ambitious program is part of broader efforts to increase Nigeria’s immunization rate to at least 84% by the year 2028. The campaign will focus on underserved and hard-to-reach communities, where the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases remains highest. The project is expected to accelerate progress toward reducing child mortality and improving access to essential health services.
A substantial portion of the funding—around 80%—will be directed to state governments to support localized implementation, while over 10% will be allocated to civil society organizations working in vulnerable and remote areas. These groups will play a critical role in community outreach, health education, and mobilization efforts to ensure that no child is left behind.
In addition to routine immunizations, the program will feature a large-scale measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting more than 100 million children nationwide. This is aimed at curbing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable outbreaks and strengthening herd immunity.
The new initiative aligns with the national health reform strategy, which emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and the integration of services to improve outcomes. The program is also expected to bolster the country’s primary healthcare system by addressing critical infrastructure, supply chain gaps, and workforce training needs.
This large-scale immunization effort marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to protecting every child from preventable diseases and building a more resilient healthcare system for future generations.
