FG and Global Fund Open Bigger Medical Warehouse in Abuja

The federal government and the Global Fund opened the expanded Abuja Premier Medical Warehouse (APMW) on Tuesday. This new facility will help store and distribute health supplies across Nigeria.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, called the warehouse a vital national asset. He said it would help keep health products secure and improve healthcare delivery.

Mr Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, mentioned that the project is part of reforms to increase storage and improve the distribution of essential medicines.

He said, "The significance of this project cannot be overstated, as it represents a leap forward in ensuring that public health products, vaccines and medical supplies maintain integrity."

The minister pointed out that the inauguration highlights the achievements of the partnership between the federal government and the Global Fund. He also assured the Global Fund that the government would provide resources to maintain the facility and its assets.

Mr Pate warned that delays in getting health supplies could harm service delivery. He stressed the need for good storage facilities.

He thanked partners like UNICEF and the Gates Foundation for their support in Nigeria’s health sector. He said, "To the Global Fund, the support goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a commitment to a shared vision of equity, access and excellence in healthcare."

Mr Pate urged the officials managing the facility to ensure it remains sustainable. He said this can be done through diligence, accountability and effective use of resources.

He added, "Today’s commission is a reminder that with determination, partnership and innovation, we can overcome challenges and build a strong health system capable of delivering quality and affordable healthcare for all."

In her opening remarks, Ms Kachollom said the commissioning shows what can be achieved when the government, partners and stakeholders work together. She was represented by Adeola Olufowolabi-Yusuf, the Director of Food and Drugs Services.

Ms Kachollom said, "This moment is a testament to what can be achieved when government, development partners and stakeholders unite in the shared mission of improving the health and well-being of our citizens."

She called the warehouse expansion a major advancement for Nigeria’s healthcare system. She thanked the Global Fund for their support and recognized UNICEF and the contractor, Land Designs Ltd., for helping complete the project.

Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, spoke next. He said strong supply chains need more than just buildings. They also need people, good systems and good governance.

He said, "It is not just about a building or available infrastructure. You need trained and committed people, good management and governance, technology and systems."

Mr Sands mentioned that the warehouse will create a strong and efficient supply chain to deliver essential health commodities when needed. Charles Lolika, Deputy Representative, Operations, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), also spoke.

He said the expanded warehouse and 22 state medical warehouses will enhance storage capacity, inventory management, commodity security and distribution efficiency. He noted that these facilities will help about 149 million people across 21 states, including about 68 million children.

Mr Lolika said, "We extend our sincere appreciation to The Global Fund for its generous funding support, which made this critical investment in health infrastructure possible."

He added that the partnership between UNICEF and the Global Fund is also helping to upgrade over 150 primary healthcare centers across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of teamwork among government, funding partners, and service providers.

Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organisation Representative in Nigeria, praised the warehouse as a key investment for the health system. He said, "When we think about the warehouse, this is a foundational element and building block for a health system, and it is definitely not to serve only three diseases."

Mr Ursu noted that the project shows the commitment of all involved. He praised UNICEF for overcoming challenges in major infrastructure projects to deliver the facility.

He urged stakeholders to keep the momentum going to ensure better health outcomes. Nkata Chuku, Deputy Director, Health Systems Strengthening, Gates Foundation Nigeria, added that securing commodities is key to reducing deaths among women and children.

He said the investment fits with the foundation’s goal to strengthen health systems and improve the delivery of health supplies. He hopes the investment will make critical commodities more available in health facilities across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the warehouse acts as a central hub for storing and distributing essential medicines, vaccines and other public health supplies. Its expansion will increase storage capacity and improve the distribution of life-saving supplies across Nigeria, as part of efforts to upgrade 22 warehouses in 21 states.