The Nigerian government has started constructing typical vaccine hub projects in the states of Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. Speaking at the hub’s ground-breaking ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said the project is a part of efforts to significantly increase the nation’s capacity for vaccine storage.

According to Mr. Ehanire, each hub was decentralized to quickly respond to rising vaccine demand. As well as being centrally located to serve two geopolitical locations.

He described Nigeria as a sizable nation with a steadily growing population coupled with the release of new, essential vaccines. Furthermore, he claimed that in order to effectively administer its immunization program, the nation must have enough storage capacity for vaccines and injectable supplies.

Also Read: Nigerian govt plans construction of six facilities to combat cancer

Remarks on the Vaccine Hub projects

According to the minister, the supply chain difficulties highlighted by the COVID-19 immunization effort also show the necessity for a significant increase in storage space, which will confer a measure of resilience in the system.

He said, “After careful consideration, the nation decided on a system redesign that includes the building of three large-scale national stores, the installation of cold-chain equipment that is optimized for use in healthcare facilities, an effective distribution system, and the installation of an electronic logistics management information system to provide visibility throughout the supply chain.”

He said the ground-breaking event of the vaccine hub project represents an important turning point in the system redesign process.

“I view it as a privilege that it is my responsibility to lay the foundation stone for the building of this crucial piece of infrastructure for the nation’s immunization program,” he continued.

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) is spearheading the 3-Hub project.  The project would store required vaccines through 2035.

According to Faisal Shuaib, the NPHCDA’s executive director, the hub will increase the nation’s capacity for vaccine storage. Furthermore, Mr. Shuaib said the Gavi Alliance is providing funds for the Abuja Hub and Kano Hub. Which is part of the nation’s Health System Strengthening (HSS) support.