Kano State government KNSG has received 28 solar-powered Primary Health Centres (PHCs) from UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, improve immunization coverage, and expand access to essential health services.
The facilities, handed over to the state government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), are expected to provide uninterrupted electricity for vaccine storage, round-the-clock service delivery, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels—particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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Speaking during the official handover, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, explained that the project targets “zero-dose” children those who have not received any routine immunization as well as pregnant women lacking access to basic healthcare.
“Kano tops the list of zero-dose cases in Nigeria. These solarized facilities will be instrumental in addressing that challenge,” Dr. Labaran said.
The initiative is part of the CDS3 Health System Strengthening programme, focused on Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose Local Government Areas (LGAs).
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In 2023, UNICEF conducted a nationwide PHC functionality and energy needs assessment, selecting 371 facilities for solarization.
The first phase in Kano, implemented in partnership with eHealth Africa, covered 28 PHCs. Selection prioritized facilities without reliable electricity, excluded those supported by other projects such as CRIBS and IMPACT, and focused on Level-2 PHCs already offering routine immunization services.
Chief of Field Office UNICEF Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah—represented by Officer-in-Charge Michael Banda—described the project as a step toward building a sustainable and equitable healthcare system.
Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Jessica Crawford, emphasized Kano’s strategic role in national health outcomes:
“Kano is a critical partner for us. Anything that succeeds here can succeed anywhere in the country. If a project works in Kano, it works in Nigeria,” she said, urging the state to invest more in health to sustain progress.
The handover formed part of a broader high-level joint mission to Kano, which included representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, CHAI, Solina Centre for International Development and Research, New Incentives, and the CDC Africa Network for Field Epidemiology (CDC Afanet).
The mission began with a strategic meeting chaired by Professor Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), and included an inspection of the State Cold Room at Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital to assess vaccine storage capacity ahead of upcoming immunization campaigns.
Later, the delegation paid an advocacy visit to Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Sani Wali.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency in the use of development funds, improved immunization coverage, and stronger primary healthcare systems.
“This engagement reflects the united resolve of Kano State and its development partners to ensure every eligible child receives life-saving vaccines,” Professor Ibrahim said.