The Federal Government has received 371 solar systems to power Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the country as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

The solarisation initiative, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), is aimed at improving medical services in previously off-grid locations.

The project is expected to transform vaccine storage and maternal healthcare services in remote communities, ensuring access to essential care in hard-to-reach areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the initiative forms a key part of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative of the Bola Tinubu administration.

He described the intervention as a demonstration of the impact of strategic partnerships in addressing grassroots health challenges, noting that reliable power would improve vaccine potency through stronger cold-chain systems, enhance digital health reporting and create better working conditions for health workers in rural areas.

Pate disclosed that over 4,000 PHCs nationwide have been revitalised under ongoing health sector reforms.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, said the centres, spread across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected from zero-dose communities where many children have missed routine immunisation.

He explained that the solar installations have upgraded the facilities to “Level Two” status, providing reliable electricity, water, sanitation and trained personnel to deliver comprehensive care.

According to him, nearly 2,600 of the 4,000 PHCs targeted for revitalisation have been completed, alongside investments in medical supplies and cold-chain infrastructure.

In a goodwill message, Gavi representative, Edna Harimenshi, described the project as evidence of Nigeria’s leadership in strengthening healthcare systems.

She noted that the $9 million investment would benefit more than 115 million Nigerians and support safer deliveries, improved emergency care and better service delivery in rural communities.

Harimenshi also highlighted Nigeria’s progress in immunisation, stating that coverage for three doses of the DTP vaccine increased from 27 per cent in 2001 to 67 per cent in 2024.

Also speaking, UNICEF Representative, Wafa Abdulateef, said the initiative would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in underserved areas.

She commended frontline health workers for their dedication and expressed confidence that improved power supply would expand access to life-saving vaccines for children.