A non-governmental organization, Save the Children International, with funding support from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has convened key stakeholders in Kano’s health sector to address negative attitudes and behaviours among some health workers that discourage caregivers from bringing children for routine immunisation.
The meeting, held under the Better Opportunities for Optimal Services and Targeted Immunization for Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children (BOOST) project, brought together professional health associations, Muslim and Christian women’s groups, government officials to develop practical strategies for improving service delivery and rebuilding community trust.
Speaking at the event, BOOST Project Manager and Field Manager for Save the Children in Kano, Malam Abdullahi Magama, said the session focused on promoting attitudinal and behavioural change among frontline health staff.
He explained that, despite progress in routine immunisation, some caregivers remain hesitant to access services due to perceived negligence and poor interpersonal interactions from a few health workers.
Also speaking, the Project Advocacy Officer, Umar Ibrahim, said the initiative will continue to identify and correct systemic gaps through feedback from health professionals.
“BOOST will keep using insights from frontline workers and professional bodies to strengthen the health system and sustain positive results,” he stated.
The Co-Chair of the Kano BOOST Project, Malam Salisu Yusuf, commended the progress recorded so far, revealing that only three local government areas are still facing significant challenges in immunisation coverage.
He urged the government and partners to sustain momentum and establish mechanisms that will preserve project gains after donor support phases out.
In her remarks, the Speaker of the Kano Children’s Parliament, Hauwa’u Muhammad Ibrahim, called for capacity building and improved working conditions for health workers, describing them as key to closing existing service delivery gaps.
The meeting featured interactive discussions with health professionals and women’s associations from both Muslim and Christian communities to ensure inclusive representation.
Participants discussed strategies for training, monitoring, and incentivising respectful client-care behaviour among health workers.