NutriVax project

In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of children face a dangerous cycle: malnutrition weakens their immune systems, increasing the frequency and severity of infections.
In turn, diseases further deteriorate their nutritional status. This vicious circle has devastating effects on children’s growth and survival.
NutriVax is exploring an innovative solution: using nutritional supplements as an incentive for families to vaccinate their children. This approach could save lives, prevent malnutrition, and improve child health in the long term.

The NutriVax trial is a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in Yobe State, in northwest Nigeria.

The project is led by ALIMA, in partnership with:

Nigeria’s Ministry of Health

PAC-CI program (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)
Yobe University Hospital
GHiGS team from the Bordeaux Population Health Research Center (Inserm, IRD, University of Bordeaux)

Context and challenges

A high-risk region

Yobe State is particularly affected by malnutrition and under-immunization. According to Nigeria’s 2024 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS):

10.1% of children suffer from acute malnutrition
2.6% are affected by its severe form
54.2% are stunted
Only 59% of children have received a first dose of the measles vaccine, while 40% have not received any dose.

💡 Why is NutriVax a priority?

By combining nutrition and immunization, NutriVax’s goal is to create a virtuous circle: improving health, increasing vaccination coverage, and preventing severe forms of malnutrition among the most vulnerable children.

ALIMA's actions

💡 What are the project’s main activities?

NutriVax is being rolled out across 20 areas of Yobe State, divided into two groups:

Standard areas: immunization and nutrition awareness

Intervention areas: in addition to awareness-raising, children receive a 12-month supply of SQ-LNS nutritional supplement

Goal: to reach over 20,000 children aged 6 to 23 months.

An innovative approach

What makes NutriVax unique is the pairing of nutrition supplementation and vaccination. Neither the SQ-LNS nutritional supplement nor vaccination are new. But together, they could mutually enhance their impact.

The study includes four components:

Two vaccination surveys: conducted at the start and after 12 months, to assess vaccination coverage and the prevalence of malnutrition
One longitudinal follow-up: tracking 600 children to monitor nutritional and vaccination progress
One cost-effectiveness analysis: to assess program costs

One qualitative study: using interviews and focus groups to understand the barriers and drivers to vaccination

Ultimate goal: to build evidence to promote sustainable funding for integrated nutrition and immunization programs in highly vulnerable contexts.

The results are expected by the end of 2025.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTIONS

FAQ

What is a cluster randomized trial?

It is a type of trial in which participants are divided into groups (called “clusters”) rather than individually. In the NutriVax study, randomization was carried out by health zones (“wards”).

What is SQ-LNS?

SQ-LNS stands for Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements. These are ready-to-use, nutrient-dense dietary supplements designed to prevent malnutrition and improve growth and immunity in young children.