The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that over one million children across four states have received at least one dose of the malaria vaccine, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against the disease.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the agency’s Executive Director, Muyi Aina, disclosed that the vaccination programme, which initially commenced in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, has now been expanded to Ondo and Bauchi.
He revealed that 984,559 children have been vaccinated in Kebbi and Bayelsa, while Ondo recorded over 166,342 vaccinations and Bauchi 105,890, bringing the total number of children reached to over one million.
Aina added that more than 600,000 vaccine doses are currently available within the national cold chain system to sustain ongoing distribution efforts.
Nigeria began the malaria vaccination rollout in December 2024 after receiving 846,000 doses of the R21 vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The initial rollout focused on high-burden states based on expert recommendations.
The vaccine, known as R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, was developed by scientists at University of Oxford and endorsed by the World Health Organization for the prevention of malaria in children.
Aina noted that the malaria vaccine presents unique challenges compared to routine immunisation, as it requires four doses for full effectiveness.
He acknowledged that dropout rates between doses remain a concern and said the agency is implementing strategies to ensure caregivers return for complete vaccination schedules.
The Executive Director also highlighted increased federal investment in primary healthcare, revealing that N70.6 billion has been disbursed through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund between 2023 and 2025.
According to him, the number of healthcare facilities benefiting from the fund has risen from 8,309 to 13,512, with funding levels adjusted to reflect inflation and rising operational costs.
Facilities previously receiving N300,000 per quarter now receive up to N600,000, depending on service volume.
To strengthen accountability, the agency has deployed 774 performance and financial management officers across all local government areas.
Their oversight efforts have led to the recovery of N59.95 million in misused or unaccounted funds.
Aina stated that appropriate sanctions are applied in cases of financial misconduct, reinforcing transparency within the system.
He further disclosed that the agency is advancing the digitisation of financial reporting, with a management application already operational in 14 states and plans underway for nationwide implementation before the end of the year.
Describing 2026 as a “year of consolidation,” Aina said the agency’s focus remains on expanding access to healthcare, improving service quality, and strengthening accountability mechanisms across Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.