Kaduna Inaugurates DRIVE Initiative to Boost Immunisation Coverage
Hussaini Ibrahim 
KADUNA, Nigeria – The Kaduna State Government on Thursday, inaugurated the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunisation Vaccines and other Primary Health Care Commodities for Equity (DRIVE) Initiative to strengthen immunisation coverage and improve access to essential health services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Speaking at the inauguration in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, said, “This reform reflects our shared commitment to ensure that no child, mother or community is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines and essential primary healthcare commodities,” she said. “By enabling direct delivery from state cold stores to health facilities, we are strengthening the last mile of healthcare delivery.”
The Director of Logistics at the NPHCDA, Hauwa Tense, described the initiative as a strategic turning point in vaccine distribution nationwide.
“Nigeria’s 2021 Effective Vaccine Management assessment showed gaps at the facility level, particularly in last-mile distribution,” she said. “The DRIVE initiative institutionalises direct delivery and introduces structured financing tied to validated performance reports to ensure transparency and accountability.”
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, called for community ownership of the initiative.
“A single solar refrigerator costs about 7,000 dollars. These facilities belong to the people and must be protected,” she said. “When communities safeguard the equipment, they safeguard the health and future of their children.”
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Chukwu Obinna 
Korede Abdullah 