The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and UNICEF, has commenced a direct delivery initiative for routine immunization vaccines and related commodities to primary health care facilities across the state.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening vaccine distribution and ensuring that health facilities, including those in hard-to-reach communities, receive vaccines promptly and in good condition.
To mark the commencement of the initiative, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, alongside Directors of the Agency, and other health workers, visited the State Medical Stores in Benin City, where they were received by the State Cold Chain Officer Mr. Joshua Enoma Egunmwendia and his team on the 25th of September, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Osoikhia formally declared the direct vaccine delivery initiative open.
He expressed appreciation to the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his sustained support for vaccine management in the state.
Dr. Osoikhia noted that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okphebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State had earlier approved the revamp of the State Medical Stores and had further provided support for the direct vaccine distribution and delivery initiative, aimed at ensuring wider access to life-saving vaccines across Edo State.
He also commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and UNICEF for their support and collaboration towards the successful implementation of the initiative.
According to Dr. Osoikhia,”transporting vaccines from the State Cold Store to health facilities, particularly those located in distant and hard-to-reach communities, had previously presented significant logistical challenges.”
He explained that the new delivery system would help address those challenges, improve vaccine availability and ensure that health facilities receive the supplies required to sustain routine immunization services.
“As stakeholders, we are committed to ensuring that this initiative succeeds and that vaccines reach the facilities where they are needed,” Dr. Osoikhia added.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, commended the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okphebholo for providing an enabling environment and the necessary support for the direct vaccine delivery programme.
Dr. Eseigbe emphasized that the initiative would strengthen vaccine distribution across the 192 wards of Edo State, reduce the risk of vaccine stock-outs and ensure that more children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases
He praised the EDSPHCDA Executive Secretary, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia for his leadership in ensuring the successful take-off of the initiative and expressed appreciation to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF and other development partners for their continued support.