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Efforts to strengthen immunisation services in Borno State received a boost on Friday as the Federal Government inaugurated a newly reconstructed central vaccine cold store in Maiduguri, designed to protect critical medical supplies and improve access to life-saving vaccines.
The facility, valued at $406,000, was rebuilt after the devastating 2024 floods destroyed the previous structure, leading to the loss of nearly one million vaccine doses and vital cold chain equipment.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, at the ceremony, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, said the upgraded store has been redesigned to withstand climate shocks and ensure uninterrupted vaccine preservation.
He noted that the new structure is more spacious, elevated to prevent flood damage, and powered by a 64KVA solar energy system to guarantee a stable cold chain, even during power outages. He described the project as a testament to collaboration between the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and development partners.
UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Bitchi, disclosed that the project was funded by the Governments of Germany and Canada, with technical support from UNICEF. He explained that the renovation transformed the facility into a climate-resilient immunisation hub equipped with upgraded storage systems and improved logistics capacity.
Bitchi recalled that the 2024 flooding severely disrupted immunisation efforts, threatening vaccine access for an estimated 7.5 million residents across the state. He confirmed that the store has now been fully restocked, with damaged equipment and essential supplies replaced.
According to him, the upgraded cold chain hub will enhance outbreak preparedness, support zero-dose vaccination strategies, and improve vaccine access for hard-to-reach communities.
He, however, called for sustained investment in cold chain maintenance, improved logistics for last-mile delivery, recruitment of health workers, and timely release of health funding to safeguard gains in child immunisation.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with federal and state authorities to ensure that every child in Borno State receives life-saving vaccines and quality primary healthcare
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