By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overcoming the challenge of zero-dose children while commending the efforts of the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) project for its contributions to immunization in the state.
Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, gave the assurance when members of the ZDLH Kano Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization Budget Accountability paid him an advocacy visit in his office.
In a statement on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the deputy governor said his administration was determined to strengthen routine immunization systems and ensure that delays in the release of immunization funds were addressed.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with civil society and development partners to achieve shared health goals.
“I very much welcome this interaction with the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) team because it highlights areas where we need to strengthen our efforts and build more emphasis,” Gwarzo said.
“Our mission and targets are clear: by 31st December 2025, we want to be able to say, with pride, that Kano State is polio-free. To achieve this, we must do whatever it takes to overcome the challenge of zero-dose children,” he added.
The deputy governor, who doubles as the Chairman of the Kano State Task Force on Immunization, commended donors and partners for their support and stressed the need for sustained collaboration.
The delegation was led by Hon. Muhammad Usman, Chairman of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Advisory Board, who briefed the deputy governor on ZDLH activities being implemented in Kano and other selected states.
Also speaking, Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello, AHBN ZDLH Kano State Focal Person, highlighted the group’s advocacy and accountability efforts, including promoting timely budget releases and facilitating Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs.
He called for sustained government commitment through timely release of counterpart funds to enable effective reduction of zero-dose children across Kano.
The delegation also presented the ZDLH 2024 Kano State Immunization Budget Accountability Annual Scorecard, developed by AHBN and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The scorecard, according to them, highlights achievements, gaps, and recommendations, providing evidence for government, civil society, and partners to track progress and improve immunization outcomes.