Written by
Nafisa Shehu Ibrahim
Executive Administrator Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR)
The Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) warmly commends Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and their partners for the successful handover of 28 solar-powered Primary Health Care (PHC) centres to the Kano State Government on Monday, 11th August 2025.
This remarkable intervention, implemented under the CDS3 Health System Strengthening programme, is targeted at zero-dose Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria where many children remain unvaccinated.
For us at CHR, this is particularly noteworthy because it makes a direct contribution toward reducing the persistent problem of zero-dose children in Kano, the state with the highest such cases in Nigeria.
As a member of the Community of Practice (CoP) under the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH), established by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), CHR recognizes how strategic this investment is in strengthening health services delivery especially routine immunization.
It is a big step towards making sure that health services truly reach those who need them, particularly children who have never received any vaccines.
This effort helps to build a better health system and moves us closer to a future where no child is left behind.
One of the greatest benefits of the solarisation is reliable vaccine storage.
With 24-hour electricity, cold-chain equipment in the facilities can now function without interruption, ensuring that life-saving vaccines are preserved safely.
The solar systems would also enable round-the-clock service delivery, uninterrupted primary healthcare, improved laboratory services, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, allowing PHCs to better meet the needs of communities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Ms. Jessica Crawford, explained that “In Kano,28 PHCs were prioritised based on their location in zero-dose LGAs, absence of duplication with other projects, and unreliable or non-existent electricity supply.
”She further noted that “371 health centres nationwide were selected for solarisation, with installation works carried out between 2024 and 2025 in partnership with eHealth Systems Africa.” Crawford emphasized.
“This is more than infrastructure. It is about impact, building a sustainable and equitable health system for all.”
In the same report, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahama Farah (represented by Mr. Michael Banda), stated that ” reliable electricity enables proper vaccine storage, 24-hour service delivery, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.”
CHR welcomes this development and strongly calls on the Kano State Government to take these steps to preserve and maximize the impact of the 28 solarised PHCs:
Establish a preventive maintenance framework:
Solar systems require regular upkeep to function effectively. Without proper maintenance, components such as panels and batteries may fail, leading to disruptions and wasted resources. The state government should create a plan for preventive maintenance, allocate funding, and train PHC staff on basic upkeep.
- Institutionalize civil society monitoring of the solarised PHCs:
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are deeply connected to communities and can provide vital independent oversight.
By formally involving CSOs in monitoring the functionality of these solarised PHCs, the government will ensure early detection of faults, misuse, or lapses that may undermine the benefits of the project.
This approach will help safeguard vaccine storage systems, maintain uninterrupted services, and guarantee that the facilities continue to serve communities effectively.
-Promote community ownership and participation:
For the solarised PHCs to last and deliver maximum benefit, communities should be actively involved in their protection and upkeep. When people see the facilities as their own, they are more likely to support their proper use and report issues early.
The state government can strengthen this by encouraging Ward Development Committees, traditional leaders, and other community groups to play a role in ensuring the smooth running of the facilities.
With these measures in place, the 28 solarised PHCs will play a critical role in ensuring that every child is reached with life-saving vaccines and essential healthcare services. In doing so, they will significantly help to curb the persistent problem of zero-dose children in the state.
