Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, says its immunisation programmes saved 1.7 million lives worldwide in 2024, with Nigeria emerging as one of the greatest beneficiaries.
According to Gavi’s newly released Annual Progress Report, the figure marked 400,000 more lives saved compared to 2023, a record gain made possible by expanding vaccine coverage in fragile and conflict-affected health systems.
“Vaccines are among the most cost-effective interventions in global development, not just for protecting health but also for driving economic growth and community resilience,” said Chair of the Gavi Board, José Manuel Barroso.
The report notes that children in insecure northern Nigerian states such as Borno, Zamfara, and Yobe were reached through targeted campaigns.
Gavi-supported countries, including Nigeria, also recorded nearly US$20 billion in economic benefits last year from reduced healthcare costs and healthier populations.
Since 2000, Gavi’s global immunisation drive has generated an estimated US$280 billion in returns. Nigeria also co-finances vaccines as part of a sustainability plan.
“Every person, no matter how hard to reach, should have access to lifesaving vaccines,” Gavi CEO Dr Sania Nishtar said, confirming additional support for conflict-hit areas.
Nigeria participated in the landmark rollout of the world’s first malaria vaccine across 23 African countries in 2024. Millions of Nigerian children are now protected against malaria, measles, polio, and diphtheria.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus praised the milestone: “Even amid conflict, poverty, and weak health systems, Gavi shows what partnership can achieve.”
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
