By Muhammad Amaan
The Kano State Government has commended the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) project for its efforts in reducing the high number of zero-dose children in the state.
This commendation was made by the Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during an advocacy visit by members of the Kano Community of Practice (CoP) on immunization budget accountability at his residence.
Chairman of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Advisory Board, Hon. Muhammad Usman, led the CoP members and thanked the deputy governor for the opportunity to brief him on ZDLH project activities in the state.
The project, implemented by Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and AHBN in four states, including Kano, aims to improve vaccine uptake and reduce the number of unimmunized children.
Speaking during the visit, AHBN ZDLH Kano State Focal Person, Dr Musa Muhammad Bello, highlighted the CoP’s activities, including advocacy for increased immunization budget, awareness creation and Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs.
Dr Bello called for timely releases of routine immunization budget and counterpart funding to effectively address the burden of zero-dose children in Kano. He also appreciated the Deputy Governor’s leadership as the head of the Kano State Task Force on Immunization.
In response, the Deputy Governor reiterated the state government’s efforts in addressing the burden of zero-dose children and pledged to address delays in releasing Routine Immunization (RI) funds.
He appreciated the CoP members for their visit and acknowledged the importance of collaboration in improving immunization outcomes.
The team also presented copies of the 2024 Kano State Immunization Budget Accountability Annual Scorecard, developed by AHBN and AFENET.
The scorecard documents achievements, gaps, and recommendations for improvement, serving as a valuable tool for stakeholders to track progress and identify areas for enhancement and for CSOs to advance advocacy around RI.
The visit underscored the commitment of both the Kano State Government and the ZDLH project to reducing zero-dose children and improving immunization outcomes in the state. Through continued collaboration and support, stakeholders can work together to achieve meaningful progress in public health.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the ZDLH project is being implemented in Bauchi, Borno, Sokoto and Kano State by AHBN and AFENET with funding from Gavi.
