The Community Reorientation Women Network (CRoWN) initiative has been identified as a major catalyst for improving maternal healthcare, promoting childhood immunisation and reducing the number of zero-dose children in Kano State.
Since its introduction in 2022, the initiative has expanded from one ward to 24 wards across four local government areas, training 1,491 Community Ambassadors and reaching 655,550 households across 572 settlements.
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The achievements were highlighted at the 2026 CRoWN Annual State Convening held at the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (KSPHCMB).
CRoWN is implemented by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), in partnership with state governments and other development partners.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the Kano State Government would continue to strengthen community-led healthcare interventions through sustained collaboration with CRoWN and other stakeholders.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abdulkadir Shehu, the Commissioner said the government would promote local ownership and support community-driven approaches to improve access to and demand for essential health services.
He explained that community engagement plays a critical role in improving maternal and newborn health, increasing skilled birth attendance, promoting proper nutrition and strengthening the delivery of other essential primary healthcare services.
According to him, the government recognises the contributions of CRoWN Ambassadors, frontline health workers, traditional institutions and community leaders in connecting households with healthcare services.
He stressed the need to integrate community engagement into the state’s health priorities rather than operate it as a separate intervention.
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The Commissioner also called for stronger collaboration between CRoWN activities and state and local government health teams, alongside improved coordination, supportive supervision and referral systems to ensure sustainable results.
In her remarks, the Programme Director, Dr Rahanah Ibrahim, described CRoWN as a women-led, community-owned and self-sustaining grassroots network that empowers trusted local women to serve as Community Ambassadors.
She explained that the initiative seeks to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, education, economic empowerment and other essential social services while building stronger and more resilient communities.
Dr Ibrahim disclosed that the programme had also established 42 economic empowerment groups, while its ambassadors had facilitated referrals for antenatal care, childhood immunisation and nutrition services.
She added that the ambassadors identify out-of-school children for possible educational support, thereby extending the initiative’s impact beyond healthcare.
Also speaking, the representative of the Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, urged the ambassadors to sustain their efforts, noting that achieving meaningful community transformation requires patience, consistency and continuous engagement.
She encouraged them to listen to the needs of their communities and maintain the momentum towards achieving the initiative’s objectives.
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The Ward Head of Zango in Ungogo Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Nuhu, and a CRoWN Ambassador from Gobirawa Ward in Kura Local Government Area, Binta Jibrin, also shared success stories highlighting the impact of the intervention on various health-related challenges in their communities.
Highlights of the event include the kitting and branding of CROWN Ambassadors with branded vests to enhance their visibility and strengthen community engagement.