The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenge of zero-dose children while commending the efforts of the Zero Dose Learning Hub project for its contributions to strengthening immunisation systems in the state.
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, gave the assurance when members of the ZDLH Kano Community of Practice on Immunisation Budget Accountability paid him an advocacy visit at his residence in Kano.
Gwarzo, whom stated this trough a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, said the state was determined to strengthen routine immunisation and ensure that delays in the release of funds for vaccination were promptly addressed.
“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 also chairs the Kano State Task Force on Immunisation, commended donors and partners for their support and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration with civil society and development partners.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Advisory Board, Hon. Muhammad Usman, who briefed the deputy governor on ZDLH activities in Kano and other selected states.
Also speaking, AHBN ZDLH Kano State Focal Person, Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello, highlighted the group’s advocacy and accountability efforts, including promoting timely budget releases and facilitating Decentralised Immunisation Monitoring (DIM) in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs.
He called for a stronger government commitment through the timely release of counterpart funds to accelerate the reduction of zero-dose children across Kano.
The delegation also presented the ZDLH 2024 Kano State Immunisation Budget Accountability Annual Scorecard, developed by AHBN and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
According to them, the scorecard highlights achievements, gaps, and recommendations, providing evidence for government, civil society, and partners to track progress and improve vaccination outcomes.