The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Nigeria has launched the distribution of 371 solar-powered energy systems to primary healthcare centres across 17 states in a bid to strengthen frontline health services.
The initiative was flagged off by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, at the Apo Primary Healthcare Centre on March 12.
Pate said the intervention is designed to improve routine immunisation, ensure proper storage of medicines, and support health workers delivering services at the community level.
He explained that reliable electricity is essential for maintaining vaccine cold chains, preserving essential drugs, enabling digital health reporting and supporting healthcare delivery.
The solar systems were provided through a partnership involving the Nigerian government, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, with implementation handled by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Pate described the project as part of the broader health sector reforms under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
According to the minister, more than 4,000 primary healthcare centres across the country have already been revitalised under the ongoing reforms.
He urged health workers and facility managers to properly maintain the solar systems while encouraging state and local governments to continue supporting improvements in primary healthcare services nationwide.
